Although English originated in England, it is now an international language. Currently, it is the official language of many countries, and millions of people communicate with each other through this language.
The most important aspect of this language is grammar. Even though it is straightforward, many people do not use it properly, which confuses them.
Along with Tense, the proper application of Verbs develops meaning to the sentence. Improper use of any word confuses, and it can even express rudeness.
Therefore, it is important to use grammar properly to avoid such miscommunication. If used properly, I can depict politeness appropriately.
Modal verbs are an essential subject matter of English grammar, and these verbs are often used in the English language. “Will” and “would” are two English Verbs people often use in their sentences.
Improper use of these Verbs can cause enormous perplexity in the sentences.
Key Takeaways
- “Will” is used to express future actions, intentions, or predictions, whereas “would” is the past form of “will” and is used to express hypothetical situations, past habits, and politeness in requests.
- “Will” is used with certainty for future events or actions, while “would” expresses uncertainty or conditions.
- Examples: “I will go to the store tomorrow” (future action) and “I would go to the store if it were open” (hypothetical situation).
Will vs Would
“Will” is used for demonstrating precise future behaviors and to ensure that an event or scenario will take place. For example, they will arrive in ten minutes. While “would” is used to describe a wish or even an imagined circumstance. For example, I would like to have steak for dinner.
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Comparison Table
| Parameter of Comparison | Will | Would |
|---|---|---|
| Verb | In English, “Will” is an auxiliary modal verb which only portrays explicit future actions. | “Would” can describe an auxiliary modal and conditional verb where the prospect is no longer possible. |
| Tense | “Will” is used in the present tense to describe the future event. | “Would” is used as the past tense of the future event. |
| Used in | “Will” is used for prediction, decisions, offers, and promises. | “Would” is used for invitations, asking for permission, requests, preferences, and making arrangements. |
| Conditional Statement | “Will” is used as the first conditional statement in the sentence. | “Would” is a second or third conditional statement in the sentence. |
| Explains | A possible future event. | An event that did not happen in the future. |
When to Use the Word Will?
Although “will” is used as a noun in a few cases, most of the time, it is as a verb. This word talks about an event that might happen in the future. It is known as a modal auxiliary verb.
The word showcases someone’s intention of doing something in the future. Most of the time, people use it in their definite statements.
As an example, “I will go shopping in the evening.” Or “We will be in Singapore tomorrow.” This modal verb can also be used to make promises & offers.
For example, “I will buy you a gift for your birthday.” Or “I will lend you some money if possible.” Many times it is also used as the first conditional statement.
For example, “If you don’t take precautions, you will be injured by accident.” Or “If you work hard, you will get success.” The word “will” can also be used to express belief.
For example, “I believe you will get good grades this year.” Or “Economist believes the future will be better”.
It is also used to express a decision. For example, “I am not feeling good; I will have a glass of water.” Or “I need money, I will work for anyone.”
When to Use the Word Would?
The past tense form of will can be described as would. This modal verb is used to describe past events that didn’t happen.
For example, “We thought we would be able to catch the train at 8.00 P.M.” The word “would” can also be used to put forward hypotheses and imaginations.
For example, “If I had wings, I would fly back to my house.” Or “if we all love each other, the world would be better.” By using this verb, anyone can report a past conversation.
For example, “I wasn’t feeling well, so I would have a glass of water.” It is used to describe events in the past tense.
It can also be used with past perfect tense.
For example, “If you worked hard, you would have a great result.” Or “If you went to medical school, you would have become a doctor.” Another way “would” can be used is to express politeness.
As an example, “Would you mind giving me your textbook?” Or “Would you mind if I come a little late tomorrow?” Or “Would you like to have jasmine tea?” Or “I would like to have a glass of wine.”
Main Differences Between Will and Would
- The word “will” depicts the future, where certain things may happen. On the other hand, the term “would” describes a prospect that is no longer possible.
- In English, “will” is used in the present tense. Where “would” is used in the past tense.
- The word “Will” conveys predictions, decisions, offers, and promises in a sentence. On the other hand, the term “would” conveys permission, requests, preferences, and making arrangements.
- As a first conditional statement, “will” can be used in a statement. “would” is used as a second or third conditional statement.
- The word “will” explains a possible future event. But the word “would” explains the event that did not happen.
- Most of the time, the word “would” is used to show politeness. But, the word “will” is used as a general word.
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Emma Smith holds an MA degree in English from Irvine Valley College. She has been a Journalist since 2002, writing articles on the English language, Sports, and Law. Read more about me on her bio page.
