Would is an important modal verb in English.  It is one of the
most commonly used modals.

Here are some of its uses:

Polite form of Want

"Want" is often too direct, and can sometimes be rude.  
"Would" is more indirect and also more polite.

Instead of "
Do you want...?", say "Would you like...?"

Examples:

Do you want a drink?                             Would you like a drink?
Do you want to go?                                 Would you like to go?


Hypothetical Situations

Would is used to show situations or actions that are not real.  
This includes using would in the
2nd conditional and the 3rd
conditional.

Examples:

  • I would buy a car if I had more money.
  • I would have bought a car if I had had more money.

In these situations, "would" is normally the decision you make.

Example:       
  • If I found a wallet, I could return it or keep it.  I should
    return it.  However, I would keep the money and return
    the wallet.
modals
modal verbs
Modal Verbs Tests

Would

Business English