Modal Verbs Will and Would

Will and Would Exercises

These exercises focus on modal verbs Will and Would

TLDR

• Use "will" for the future, beliefs, promises, and willingness.

• Use "would" for the past, politeness, hypothetical situations, and past habits.

• "Would" sounds more polite than "will" in requests and offers.

What Are Will" and "Would?

• "Will" is used to talk about the present, future, or willingness.

• "Would" is the past tense of "will" and is used for polite requests, hypothetical situations, and past habits.

Will Examples and Usage

1. Expressing Beliefs (Present & Future)

We use "will" to express beliefs about what we think is true now or in the future.

✅ Examples:

• John will be in his office now. (belief about the present)

• We will have a meeting tomorrow. (belief about the future)

💡 Common mistake: Using "will" for past events.

❌ I will thought she was home.
✅ I thought she would be home.

2. Talking About Willingness

"Will" is used to show what someone is willing to do.

✅ Examples:

• I will help you with your homework. (willingness to help)

• Perhaps Dad will lend me the car. (possibility based on willingness)

💡 Common mistake: Using "will" instead of "would" for past willingness.

❌ Dad will not lend me the car yesterday.
✅ Dad wouldn’t lend me the car yesterday.

3. Making Promises, Offers, and Requests

"Will" is used to make promises and offers.

✅ Examples:

• I will give you a ride home. (offer)

• We will come visit you soon. (promise)

For requests, "Will you...?" is direct, while "Would you...?" is more polite.

✅ Examples:

• Will you help me move this chair? (direct request)

• Would you please close the door? (polite request)

💡 Common mistake: Using "will" in very formal requests.

❌ Will you mind helping me?
✅ Would you mind helping me?

Would Examples and Usage

1. "Would" as the Past Tense of "Will"

"Would" is used when talking about past beliefs.

✅ Examples:

• I thought we would be late.

• She promised she would call me.

💡 Common mistake: Using "will" when talking about the past.

❌ She said she will come.
✅ She said she would come.

2. Talking About Hypothetical Situations

"Would" is used when imagining situations.

✅ Examples:

• If I had more money, I would buy a new car.

• I would travel the world if I were rich.

💡 Common mistake: Using "will" instead of "would" in imaginary situations.
❌ If I had money, I will buy a car.
✅ If I had money, I would buy a car.

3. Talking About Past Willingness and Habits

"Would" can describe what someone was willing to do or habits in the past.

✅ Examples:

• When we were kids, we would play outside all day. (past habit)

• He wouldn't listen to my advice. (past refusal)

💡 Common mistake: Using "used to" instead of "would" in past willingness.

❌ He used to not lend me his car.
✅ He wouldn’t lend me his car.

4. Politeness: Requests & Offers

"Would" is often used to sound more polite.

✅ Examples:

• Would you like some tea? (offer)

• Would you mind closing the window? (polite request)

💡 Common mistake: Mixing "do" and "would."

❌ Do you like some tea?
✅ Would you like some tea?

Common Expressions with Would

FAQs About Will and Would

What is the difference between "will" and "would"?

"Will" is used for the present/future, while "would" is used for past/hypothetical situations.

Is "would" always past tense?

Not always! "Would" is also used for polite requests and hypothetical situations.

Can I use "would" instead of "will" in all cases?

No. "Would" is more polite or used for past/hypothetical ideas, while "will" is for real future situations.

Is "I'd" the same as "I would" or "I had"?

"I'd" can mean "I would" or "I had," depending on the sentence. Example:

• I'd go if I had time. (= I would)

• I'd already eaten. (= I had)

Which is more polite: "Will you" or "Would you"?

"Would you" is more polite. Use "Would you mind...?" for extra politeness.