When we have to use would?

Hi , the usage of "Would" in English language is not always about referring the 'Past'. It can also be used in the present situation or action depending on the way it is used. There are some rules . Pls follow them and you would get the better understanding of the usage of "Would". Rule #1 - Past habit When you refer to some past habitual actions which were regular in the past, you can use 'would' ( here the "would" takes the same meaning of "used to" ) Eg. 1. I would read story books a lot when I was in school. ( means I was habitual of reading story books / I used to read story books when I was in school ) Remember : Always use the present form of verb after 'would' Rule # 2 (a)- Imagining things in the Present situations I would learn English & French together ( .. here it means now probably I don't have time so it is not possible for me to learn now in the given condition ) Rule # (b) - Use in 'Conditional Sentences- 'if': Conditional 'if' in Present -( after would use first form of verb . in below sentence it is'buy' ) When we talk about hypothetical situations which are not real, we use 'if' conditional. Eg:- If I were a millionaire I would buy an island Conditional 'if' in Past-( after would use Perfect Infinitive -means -" Would + Have + III form of the verb) Eg : I would have gone out with my friends, if I had finished my work. OR If I had finished my work, I would have gone out with my friends. Rule # 2 (c) Without using 'if' Conditional :- Eg : I would have gone out with my friends but unfortunately, I was occupied with work . Rule # 3. Using 'Future in the Past' - When the first part of the sentence is in the Past Tense then second situation is in the Future probability. Eg :- My mom said, she would allow me to go with friends , if I complete my study. ( here first part of the sentence is in the past " My mom SAID ' which is in the past . The second part of the sentence talks about the future " WOULD ALLOW" me to go.....) Rule # 4 Talking about Preference / Choices When you are given options or choices , you have preferences to select ) Eg:- I would rather go to Paris than Singapore ( here you have options of visiting places of Paris , Singapore but you prefer the one you most like than to other ) Rule # 5 Past Tense of 'Will' in Indirect Speech : Eg : Direct Sentence with 'Will' My friend said , " She will reach late " Indirect Speech : - My friend said she would reach late. Rule # 6 When you make 'Polite Request' : Eg :-Would you let me use your car for a day ? Rule # 7 Persistence ( 'would' as a modal auxiliary verb ) Eg : Raju would still watch the tv during exams. ( Here, it means, Raju was warned several times but he can't quit watching tv. He is persistent) Rule # 8 Wishing : ( in the present ) When you express your wish Eg : I wish I were a little girl again. Rule # 9 Possibility : When you guess about something which are possible or hopeful conditions Eg : I think she would be his sister. ( Here you are talking about something you are hopeful to be true ) Difference between 'Will' & 'Would' is : Eg- I will attend the function - when you use 'Will' you are certain about your words or promises at the time of saying it . I would attend the function but unfortunately I have other commitments too ! When you use 'Would' you are not sure at all. Hope, this suffice your query. read less