Would 2

Would is a modal verb expressing some kind of imaginary or hypothetical situation. Here are some more uses of would continuing from the previous unit.

Wish ... Would

Wish...would is used when the speaker wants a present situation to be different. The speaker is dissatisfied with the situation and believes that the thing wished for is unlikely to actually happen. For example:

- I wish Jane would call me.
- I wish they would stop fighting.
- I wish the dog would stop barking.
- I wish the dog wouldn't keep barking.

Because wish...would is often used to complain, it's unusual to use this structure to talk about yourself. For example:
- "I wish I'd study more." This is unusual though not incorrect.

Wish...would is used for actions, but not normally for states.
- I wish I had more time. To "have" something is a state not an action, so we use the past tense "had".
- I wish I would have more time. Incorrect
- I wish I knew the answer.
- I wish I would know the answer. Incorrect

Would rather

Would rather + verb (base form) is used to express a preference. It often implies that we don't like other available choices. For example:
- "Let's go shopping this evening". "Oh, I'd rather go tomorrow." (And I don't want to go this evening)
- "Which book would you rather buy?" "I'd rather buy this one. That one isn't so good."

Would rather is also used with the past simple when giving a strong request, usually with some authority.
- Can I meet John after lunch, Mom?" "Yes, but I'd rather you did your homework first".
- "I'd rather you didn't tell anyone about the party. It's going to be a surprise."

All structures with would rather are more often found in British English.

Would mind

Would mind is used to make a polite request. For example:
- "Would you mind closing the window?"
- "Would you mind waiting a few minutes? I need to buy some stamps."
- "Would you mind if we didn't come tonight? We're just really tired, that's all."

-----

Twitter