Would

Would across registers

Would 2nd conditional | Present Unreal

As I speak to you I imagine that most of you are teenagers or in your early twenties, so this is what I would say to you if I were in your class as I have said this to my children who are older than you.  Live life to the fullest.  By that I mean taste life.  Try everything, but do so in moderation.  That means nothing to excess, nothing too much.  Live a full life.  Live expansively, comprehensively.  Enjoy.  Appreciate.  But don’t commit too much.  You might be surprised.  It will come back to you and hurt you.

Would 3rd conditional | Past Unreal

Would Like | Expressing wants politely

Hello?  Hi, yes.  I’m a new patient for Dr. Scambody.  Yes I would like to make a new patient appointment for this week if possible.  I usually work until 4:30 so evening is best.  No, Thursday won’t work for me because I have class after school.  Yep, Saturday is great.  9.a.m.?  Ok, I’ll be there.  Thanks

Would Rather| Expressing Preference

I have a five-year old son and living with him is a learning experience.  When I wake up in the morning, you know, they talk, and sometimes they’re stubborn to get up in the morning for school.  They don’t want to go to school. When they come home from school, they tend not to want to do their homework.  They would rather watch cartoons or play as opposed to doing their homework. During dinner time it’s hard to get them to sit down and eat dinner without them getting up to play and run around.  During bath time they make a huge mess in the bathrooms.  They splash water.  They smear toothpaste all over the bath tubs and sinks.  During bed time, they rather sleep with you as opposed to sleeping in their own bed.  But, overall, having a five-year old is a learning experience.

Would rather DIE

Would | Repeated Actions in the Past

Source: Saving Private Ryan (Spielberg, 1998)

___________

Wade:  See the trick to falling asleep is trying to stay awake.

Stanley:  How is that Wade?

Wade:  Well, when my mother was an intern, she used to work late through the night, and sleep through the day.  So the only time we’d ever got to talk about anything was when she’d get home.  So what I used to do…I used to lie on my bed and try to stay awake as long as I could, but it never worked, ‘cause the harder I’d try, the faster I’d fall asleep.