Will vs. Would: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
"Will" expresses future actions or decisions, "would" is used for hypotheticals, past habits, or politeness.
Key Differences
"Will" is a modal verb commonly used to express future actions or decisions made at the moment of speaking. It suggests certainty or intention regarding what is going to happen. For example, "I will call you tomorrow." On the other hand, "would" is often used to express hypothetical situations, polite requests, or past habits. It is the past tense form of "will" but is used in various other contexts, such as, "I would go if I had time."
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Nov 17, 2023
In expressing future intentions or promises, "will" is the go-to choice. It shows a definitive plan or decision, as in, "She will start her new job next Monday." Contrastingly, "would" is used to talk about actions in hypothetical or imagined situations, often following 'if' clauses or expressing wishes, like, "I would travel more if I could."
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Nov 17, 2023
"Will" is also used to make predictions about the future, where the speaker is confident about the outcome. An example is, "It will rain tonight." In contrast, "would" is used to talk about habits or repeated actions in the past, similar to 'used to'. For instance, "When I was young, I would visit my grandparents every summer."
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Nov 17, 2023
In requests and offers, "will" can be used, but it is more direct and less polite. For example, "Will you pass the salt?" Conversely, "would" is preferred for polite requests or offers, as it sounds more courteous and less imposing, such as, "Would you mind closing the door?"
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023
Lastly, "will" can express willingness or consent. An example is, "I will help you with your project." In contrast, "would" can reflect a conditional willingness, dependent on certain conditions or situations, like, "I would help, but I am busy right now."
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Primary Use
Future actions or decisions
Hypothetical situations, past habits, politeness
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Nov 17, 2023
Conditional Statements
Used in first conditional (real situations)
Used in second and third conditionals (unreal or hypothetical situations)
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Nov 17, 2023
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Will and Would Definitions
Would
Indicates a hypothetical situation.
I would travel the world if I had more money.
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Nov 16, 2023
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Would
Shows conditional willingness or preference.
I would help, but I'm busy right now.
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Nov 16, 2023
Will
The mental faculty by which one deliberately chooses or decides upon a course of action
Championed freedom of will against a doctrine of predetermination.
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Oct 19, 2023
Will
Diligent purposefulness; determination
An athlete with the will to win.
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Oct 19, 2023
Will
Self-control; self-discipline
Lacked the will to overcome the addiction.
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Oct 19, 2023
Would
Used to form the "anterior future", or "future in the past", indicating a futurity relative to a past time.
On my first day at University, I met the woman who would become my wife.
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Oct 19, 2023
Will
A desire, purpose, or determination, especially of one in authority
It is the sovereign's will that the prisoner be spared.
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Oct 19, 2023
Would
Used to; was or were habitually accustomed to; indicating an action in the past that happened repeatedly or commonly.
When we were younger, we would cycle out to the beach most summer Sundays.
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Oct 19, 2023
Will
Deliberate intention or wish
Let it be known that I took this course of action against my will.
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Oct 19, 2023
Would
Was or were determined to; indicating someone's insistence upon doing something.
I asked her to stay in with me, but she would go out.
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Oct 19, 2023
Will
Free discretion; inclination or pleasure
Wandered about, guided only by will.
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Oct 19, 2023
Would
Could naturally have been expected to (given the tendencies of someone's character etc.).
He denied it, but then he would, wouldn't he?
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Oct 19, 2023
Will
A legal declaration of how a person wishes their personal possessions to be disposed of after death.
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Oct 19, 2023
Would
(archaic) Used with ellipsis of the infinitive verb, or postponement to a relative clause, in various senses.
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Oct 19, 2023
Would
A modal verb, the subjunctive of will; usually followed by a bare infinitive.
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Oct 19, 2023
Will
To yearn for; desire
“She makes you will your own destruction” (George Bernard Shaw).
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Oct 19, 2023
Would
Used as the auxiliary of the simple conditional modality, indicating a state or action that is conditional on another.
If I won the lottery, I would give half the money to charity.
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Oct 19, 2023
Will
To decree, dictate, or order
Believed that the outcome was willed by the gods.
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Oct 19, 2023
Would
Without explicit condition, or with loose or vague implied condition, indicating a hypothetical or imagined state or action.
I would love to come and visit.
Look at that yummy cake! I would eat that all up!
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Oct 19, 2023
Will
To induce or try to induce by sheer force of will
We willed the sun to come out.
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Oct 19, 2023
Would
Suggesting conditionality or potentiality in order to express a sense of politeness, tentativeness, indirectness, hesitancy, uncertainty, etc.
I would ask you all to sit down.
I would imagine that they have already left.
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Oct 19, 2023
Would
Used to express what the speaker would do in another person's situation, as a means of giving a suggestion or recommendation.
It's disgraceful the way that they've treated you. I would write and complain.
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Oct 19, 2023
Will
To order to direct in a legal will
She willed that her money be given to charity.
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Oct 19, 2023
Would
Used to express the speaker's belief or assumption.
He's very security-conscious, so he would have remembered to lock the door.
They would be arriving in London round about now.
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Oct 19, 2023
Would
Used interrogatively to express a polite request; are (you) willing to …?
Would you pass the salt, please?
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Oct 19, 2023
Would
Might wish (+ verb in past subjunctive); often used in the first person (with or without that) in the sense of "if only".
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Oct 19, 2023
Will
To wish; desire
Do what you will. Sit here if you will. See Usage Note at shall.
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Oct 19, 2023
Will
(auxiliary) Used to express the future tense, sometimes with some implication of volition when used in the first person. Compare shall.
One of our salesmen will visit you tomorrow.
I will pass this exam.
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Oct 19, 2023
Would
Something that would happen, or would be the case, under different circumstances; a potentiality.
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Oct 19, 2023
Will
(auxiliary) To be able to, to have the capacity to.
Unfortunately, only one of these gloves will actually fit over my hand.
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Oct 19, 2023
Would
Commonly used as an auxiliary verb, either in the past tense or in the conditional or optative present. See 2d & 3d Will.
Right as our Lord hath would.
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Oct 19, 2023
Will
(auxiliary) Expressing a present tense with some conditional or subjective weakening: "will turn out to", "must by inference".
He will be home by now. He always gets home before 6 o'clock.
I can't find my umbrella. I will have forgotten it home this morning.
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Oct 19, 2023
Will
(auxiliary) To choose or agree to (do something); used to express intention but without any temporal connotations (+ bare infinitive), often in questions and negation.
Will you marry me?
I’ve told him three times, but he won’t take his medicine.
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Oct 19, 2023
Will
(transitive) To bequeath (something) to someone in one's will (legal document).
He willed his stamp collection to the local museum.
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Oct 19, 2023
Will
(transitive) To exert one's force of will (intention) in order to compel, or attempt to compel, something to happen or someone to do something.
All the fans were willing their team to win the game.
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Oct 19, 2023
Will
One's independent faculty of choice; the ability to be able to exercise one's choice or intention.
Of course, man's will is often regulated by his reason.
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Oct 19, 2023
Will
The act of choosing to do something; a person’s conscious intent or volition.
Most creatures have a will to live.
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Oct 19, 2023
Will
One's intention or decision; someone's orders or commands.
Eventually I submitted to my parents' will.
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Oct 19, 2023
Will
(law) A formal declaration of one's intent concerning the disposal of one's property and holdings after death; the legal document stating such wishes.
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Oct 19, 2023
Will
(archaic) Desire, longing. (Now generally merged with later senses.)
He felt a great will to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
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Oct 19, 2023
Will
The power of choosing; the faculty or endowment of the soul by which it is capable of choosing; the faculty or power of the mind by which we decide to do or not to do; the power or faculty of preferring or selecting one of two or more objects.
It is necessary to form a distinct notion of what is meant by the word "volition" in order to understand the import of the word will, for this last word expresses the power of mind of which "volition" is the act.
Will is an ambiguous word, being sometimes put for the faculty of willing; sometimes for the act of that faculty, besides [having] other meanings. But "volition" always signifies the act of willing, and nothing else.
Appetite is the will's solicitor, and the will is appetite's controller; what we covet according to the one, by the other we often reject.
The will is plainly that by which the mind chooses anything.
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Oct 19, 2023
Will
The choice which is made; a determination or preference which results from the act or exercise of the power of choice; a volition.
The word "will," however, is not always used in this its proper acceptation, but is frequently substituted for "volition", as when I say that my hand mover in obedience to my will.
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Oct 19, 2023
Will
The choice or determination of one who has authority; a decree; a command; discretionary pleasure.
Thy will be done.
Our prayers should be according to the will of God.
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Oct 19, 2023
Will
Strong wish or inclination; desire; purpose.
My poverty, but not my will, consents; . . . Put this in any liquid thing you will,And drink it off.
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Oct 19, 2023
Will
That which is strongly wished or desired.
What's your will, good friar?
The mariner hath his will.
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Oct 19, 2023
Will
Arbitrary disposal; power to control, dispose, or determine.
Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies.
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Oct 19, 2023
Will
The legal declaration of a person's mind as to the manner in which he would have his property or estate disposed of after his death; the written instrument, legally executed, by which a man makes disposition of his estate, to take effect after his death; testament; devise. See the Note under Testament, 1.
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Oct 19, 2023
Will
To wish; to desire; to incline to have.
A wife as of herself no thing ne sholde [should]Wille in effect, but as her husband wolde [would].
Caleb said unto her, What will thou ?
They would none of my counsel.
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Oct 19, 2023
Will
As an auxiliary, will is used to denote futurity dependent on the verb. Thus, in first person, "I will" denotes willingness, consent, promise; and when "will" is emphasized, it denotes determination or fixed purpose; as, I will go if you wish; I will go at all hazards. In the second and third persons, the idea of distinct volition, wish, or purpose is evanescent, and simple certainty is appropriately expressed; as, "You will go," or "He will go," describes a future event as a fact only. To emphasize will denotes (according to the tone or context) certain futurity or fixed determination.
I am able to devote as much time and attention to other subjects as I will [shall] be under the necessity of doing next winter.
A countryman, telling us what he had seen, remarked that if the conflagration went on, as it was doing, we would [should] have, as our next season's employment, the Old Town of Edinburgh to rebuild.
I feel assured that I will [shall] not have the misfortune to find conflicting views held by one so enlightened as your excellency.
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Oct 19, 2023
Will
To be willing; to be inclined or disposed; to be pleased; to wish; to desire.
And behold, there came a leper and worshiped him, saying, Lord if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus . . . touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Will
To form a distinct volition of; to determine by an act of choice; to ordain; to decree.
By all law and reason, that which the Parliament will not, is no more established in this kingdom.
Two things he [God] willeth, that we should be good, and that we should be happy.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Will
To enjoin or command, as that which is determined by an act of volition; to direct; to order.
They willed me say so, madam.
Send for music,And will the cooks to use their best of cunningTo please the palate.
As you go, will the lord mayor . . . To attend our further pleasure presently.
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Oct 19, 2023
Will
To give or direct the disposal of by testament; to bequeath; to devise; as, to will one's estate to a child; also, to order or direct by testament; as, he willed that his nephew should have his watch.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Will
To exercise an act of volition; to choose; to decide; to determine; to decree.
At Winchester he lies, so himself willed.
He that shall turn his thoughts inward upon what passes in his own mind when he wills.
I contend for liberty as it signifies a power in man to do as he wills or pleases.
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Oct 19, 2023
Will
The capability of conscious choice and decision and intention;
The exercise of their volition we construe as revolt
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Oct 19, 2023
Will
A fixed and persistent intent or purpose;
Where there's a will there's a way
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Oct 19, 2023
Will
A legal document declaring a person's wishes regarding the disposal of their property when they die
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Oct 19, 2023
Will
Leave or give by will after one's death;
My aunt bequeathed me all her jewelry
My grandfather left me his entire estate
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Oct 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can "will" express predictions?
Yes, "will" is often used to make predictions about the future.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023
How does "will" differ from "would" in politeness?
"Will" is more direct, while "would" is used for more polite requests.
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Nov 17, 2023
What is the basic use of "will"?
"Will" is primarily used to express future actions or decisions.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023
In what context is "would" used?
"Would" is used for hypothetical situations, polite requests, or past habits.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023
Is "would" used for past habits?
Yes, "would" can describe habits or repeated actions in the past.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023
What role does "would" play in conditional sentences?
"Would" is used in second and third conditional sentences, indicating hypothetical or unreal situations.
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Nov 17, 2023
Can "will" indicate a promise?
Yes, "will" can be used to indicate promises or strong intentions.
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Nov 17, 2023
Is "will" used in requests?
Yes, but it's more direct and less polite compared to "would."
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Nov 17, 2023
How is "would" used in reported speech?
"Would" is used to report past statements about future actions.
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Nov 17, 2023
What is an example of "will" in a question?
"Will you be attending the meeting?"
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Nov 17, 2023
Is "would" ever used for future reference?
"Would" can be used for future reference in conditional or hypothetical contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023
Can "will" be used for making offers?
Yes, though it's more direct than using "would."
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023
How does "would" differ from "will" in directness?
"Would" is less direct and more polite than "will."
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Nov 17, 2023
Does "will" have a conditional form?
"Will" is used in first conditional sentences, relating to real or likely situations.
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Nov 17, 2023
How does "would" express past repeated actions?
It's used similar to "used to" for habits in the past, e.g., "I would walk to school daily."
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Nov 17, 2023
How is "would" used in hypotheticals?
"Would" is used to talk about actions that might happen under certain hypothetical conditions.
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Nov 17, 2023
Is "would" appropriate for polite offers?
Yes, "would" is ideal for making polite offers or requests.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023
Can "will" be used in second conditional sentences?
No, "will" is not typically used in second conditionals; "would" is used instead.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023
Can "will" be used to express habits?
"Will" is generally not used for habits; "would" is more appropriate for past habits.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023
Can "will" show willingness?
Yes, "will" can express willingness or volunteering to do something.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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