would可用作助动词will的过去式,主要用于第二、第三人称,有时也用于第一人称(详见will)。用于陈述语气时可构成过去将来式、过去将来完成式、过去将来进行式。用于虚拟语气时,在“would+动词不定式的一般式〔完成式〕”结构中与should用法相同(详见should,但would主要用于第二、第三人称)。
would还可构成一种委婉、温和、谨慎的语气:“wouldlike〔desire, wish等表示意志的动词〕”表示愿望、意向、选择等意义,用于各种人称, like后接动词不定式一般式〔完成式〕作宾语,也可接名词或代词作宾语。
“It would seem〔appear〕”,“主语+would think〔imagine, say〕”等结构表示或然性,常用于第二、第三人称,这时would可看作助动词,也可看作情态动(参见will)。would还可和其他动词自由搭配,构成委婉语气。
She would be good for the job.
她干这工作很合适。
It was announced that new speed restrictions would be introduced.
据宣布,将有新的限速规定出台。
She would be in bed by now, as like as not.
这工夫她很可能睡了。
He said he would be here at eight o'clock.
他说他将在八点钟到达这里。
It would be a good idea to call before we leave.
我们出发之前打个电话是个好主意。