Understanding and Using Modal Verbs: Understanding and Using Modal Verbs (#30)

Dennis Oliver

Modal Verbs #30:
Individual Modal Verbs

The English modal verbs are often challenging for learners
of English. This happens for many reasons, including both
grammar and meaning.

In this Hint, we'll continue to look at would.

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Would (#3)

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.

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?)

Understanding and Using Modal Verbs: Understanding and Using Modal Verbs (#30)

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