Examples of “would” in a Sentence

verb Used to describe what someone was going to do, from the point of view of the past.

• She said she would call as soon as she landed.
• He promised he would send the photos by the end of the day.
• I knew they would be late because of the roadworks.

verb Used to describe something that used to happen repeatedly in the past.

• Every summer we would drive down to the coast.
• When I was little, my dad would read me a story every night.
• After lunch, the old man would sit by the window and doze.

verb Used to describe a hypothetical result, given a certain condition.

• If I had more time, I would learn the piano.
• If it rained tomorrow, we would move the picnic indoors.
• She would be much happier if she lived closer to her friends.

verb Used to make a polite request or offer.

• Would you pass the salt, please?
• Would you like another cup of tea before you go?
• I would be grateful if you could close the window.