WOULD - The 10 Uses - English Grammar Lesson (+ Free PDF & Quiz)

Summary

In this lesson from English with Lucy, the focus is on mastering the word 'would,' which often confuses English learners due to its many uses. Lucy covers 10 key uses of 'would,' including making polite requests, offers, invitations, and hypothetical statements. She also delves into its role in conditional sentences, reported speech, and expressing preferences. Throughout the lesson, Lucy provides examples and exercises to reinforce learning. A free PDF with detailed explanations and quizzes is available, helping learners gain confidence in using 'would' effectively.

Takeaways

• 📚 The lesson focuses on the word 'would,' which is commonly misunderstood by students due to its multiple uses.
• 📝 There are 10 different ways to use 'would,' and the lesson covers them in detail with examples and exercises in a free downloadable PDF.
• 🎯 The first use of 'would' is to make polite requests, such as 'I would like a cup of tea.'
• 🎁 'Would' is also used to make polite offers and invitations, like 'Would you like to come to our house for dinner?'
• 🗣 'Would' is used in reported speech to transform 'will' from direct speech into past tense, e.g., 'She said she would come.'
• 🔄 'Would' can express typical or repeated actions in the past, but not state verbs like 'love' or 'hate.'
• 🚫 'Would' is often used negatively to express unwillingness in the past, e.g., 'The shop wouldn't give me a refund.'
• 💭 'Would' is key in discussing hypothetical situations, often paired with conditionals, like 'If I had time, I would travel.'
• 🎭 The lesson highlights using 'would' with 'wish' to express desired changes in behavior or habits, e.g., 'I wish you wouldn't borrow my clothes.'
• 🤔 'Would' is used to express preferences and opinions, such as 'I'd rather get a takeaway today,' or 'I'd imagine it's been a tough week.'

Q & A

What is the main topic of the lesson?

The main topic of the lesson is the 10 uses of the word 'would' in English, with a detailed explanation and examples.

How can students get additional practice after the lesson?

Students can download a free PDF with exercises by signing up to the mailing list via a link provided in the description box of the video.

What is one common use of 'would' for making requests?

'Would' is commonly used to make polite requests, such as 'I would like a cup of tea, please.'

What is the difference between 'would' and 'used to' when talking about past actions?

'Would' is used for repeated actions in the past, while 'used to' is used for past states or habits. For example, 'I would go to France for holidays' versus 'I used to love chocolate.'

How is 'would' used in conditional sentences?

'Would' is used in second conditional sentences to talk about imaginary or unlikely situations in the present. For example, 'If I had more time, I would travel more.'

What is the difference between using 'would' in second and third conditional sentences?

In second conditionals, 'would' is used for hypothetical situations in the present ('If I had time, I would travel'). In third conditionals, it's used for hypothetical situations in the past ('If I had known, I would have called you').

How can 'would' be used to express preferences?

'Would' can express preferences using the phrase 'would rather.' For example, 'I'd rather get a takeaway today, I'm too tired to cook.'

How is 'would' used in reported speech?

'Would' is the past form of 'will' in reported speech. For example, 'Robert said he would help me move house.'

What does the teacher suggest about the pronunciation of 'would'?

The teacher emphasizes rounding the lips for the 'wo' sound, as if making a small 'oo' sound, and pronouncing it as 'wud' or 'would.'

How can 'would' be used to express annoyance or frustration?

'Would' can be used with 'wish' to express annoyance at someone's habitual actions. For example, 'I wish you wouldn’t leave the door unlocked.'