a pt. and pp. of will 1 .

(used to express the future in past sentences)

He said he would go tomorrow.

(used in place of will, to make a statement or form a question less direct or blunt)

That would scarcely be fair. Would you be so kind?

(used to express repeated or habitual action in the past)

We would visit Grandma every morning up at the farm.

(used to express an intention or inclination)

Nutritionists would have us all eat whole grains.

(used to express a wish)

Would he were here!

(used to express an uncertainty)

It would appear that he is guilty.

(used in conditional sentences to express choice or possibility)

They would come if they had the fare. If the temperature were higher, the water would evaporate.

would have, (used with a past participle to express unfulfilled intention or preference)

I would have saved you some but Jimmy took it all.

would like

(used to express desire)

I would like to go next year.

would rather. rather ( def. 8 ) .