Content introduction modal verbs can 11 may 18

E.g. I wish the train would stop for a moment.

I wish they wouldn’t insist on it.

This modal verb will – would is more often used in literature. Here are several examples on its usage.

E.g. Senor Montevalde had never faced a bull without the protection of a stout fence, and never would. (F. Harvey)

This Velma was an entertainer, a singer. You wouldn’t know her? I don’t suppose you went there much.(R. Chandler)

Look where we would there was no rock or tree (O. Wilde).

“I’ll speak to her and tell her to lay off.” – “If you would.” (A. Christie) (Будьте любезны!)

“And what would you be doing, my dears?” she said. “What brings you to Gipsy’s Acre?” (A. Christie) (Что бы это вы могли тут делать…..)

Sometimes the boys would play a trick on their teacher (M. Spark).

It would be impossible to build a bridge without knowing it.(W. Faulkner)