Would
1. Used as a polite invitation or offer
- Would you like a glass of water?
- Would you like to go out to the movies with me tonight?
- Would you like some help?
- I would be more than happy to drive you to school.
When someone asks a question to invite you or offer you something using Would, the response can be: Yes, I would OR No, I wouldn't.
- Would you like some milk? No, I wouldn't.
- Would you like some tea? Yes, I would.
2. Describe a prediction (hypothetical situations)
- It would be nice to have a party on Saturday.
- Nobody would believe me if I told them I had seen a aliens.
3. To not sound impolite when disagreeing with someone
- I would like to point out that you need to review those numbers.
- I wouldn't agree with that.
4. To describe past habits
- Before internet people would send letters to each other.
- When I was at school I would get up before everyone else in our house.
(This is similar to using Used to)
5. Future in the past
We use would when we are talking about the past but we want to talk about something which was in the future at that time (in the past).
- When I was in Paris last year I thought I would spend hours sitting at coffee shops writing ideas for my novel.
- She promised she would send a postcard from Peru.
- I told you he would help us.
6. Wouldn't: To describe a past unwillingness (refusal)
- He said he wouldn't help us.
- My son wouldn't eat his food.