| |
The modal
auxiliary would (negative would not,
which is
often contracted to wouldn't) has several uses. One of them
is
in making a kind of "artificial past" for will in indirect
(reported)
speech. Another
is in making polite requests.
Would is also commonly used in the expression
would like.
This expression
(which is often contracted to 'd like
with
pronouns) does not mean "like."
Instead, it means want
(though it is "softer,"
less direct, and much more polite).
Examples:
| Sentences with Want |
|
Sentences with Would Like |
|
I want
more coffee.
(very
direct)
Do you want to come
with us? (very direct)
Mrs. Pérez
wants to
say something. (very direct)
|
|
I'd like
some more coffee.
(less direct, more polite)
Would you like to come
with
us? (less direct,
more polite)
Mrs. Pérez would like to
say something. (less direct,
more polite)
|
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Special
Notes:
| 1. |
|
When would
like is contracted to 'd like (I'd like,
you'd like, she'd like,
etc.), the contraction for would
is very difficult to hear. |
| |
|
|
| 2. |
|
In very casual speech, the
end of would often
combines with
the beginning of you to make
a new sound.
As a result, Would you sounds
something like "Wouldja":
Wouldja like some coffee?
(
= Would you
like some coffee?)
Wouldja like to dance?
( =
Would you
like to dance?)
Wouldja like something to eat?
(
= Would you
like something to eat?)
Note: Wouldja is a spoken form, not a standard
written
form. In writing, it is not acceptable except
in
comics and in very informal messages to friends.
|
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|
|
| 3. |
|
In very casual speech, both
would and you
are
sometimes omitted entirely in questions:
Like some coffee?
(
= Would you
like some coffee?)
Like to dance?
(
= Would you
like to dance?)
Like something to eat?
( = Would you
like something to eat?)
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