English L...

What is the meaning of would ?

Posted:: 3+ months ago by English L...
Topics:: phone, john, southern, guys, phones, answer, meaning, guy

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What is the meaning of "would" in the following sentences:

1.That would be john Calling. I'll answer it.

2."The guy on the phone had southern accent" That would be Ram"

3.we saw a police helicapter overhead yesterday. Thy would have been looking for those bank robbers.

4. John said he didn't steal money. | well, he would, wouldn't he ?

5. You would have to say that.

I have a hard time understanding the meaning and use of would applied in the sentences above. I would be greatfull if you could answer me. Thanks in advance.

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Jewels Vern

That is the conditional case of the verb "to be". It signifies a guess or a conclusion based on unstated conditions.

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English L...

Could you give me the explaination of each sentences with the meanings and the use of would applied in those sentences? I would be greatfull to you. Thanks in advance

Jewels Vern

would
modal verb: would; modal verb: wouldst
1. past of will, in various senses.
"he said he would be away for a couple of days"
2. (expressing the conditional mood) indicating the consequence of an imagined event or situation.
"he would lose his job if he were identified"
used to give advice.
"I wouldn't drink that if I were you"
3. expressing a desire or inclination.
"I would love to work in Prague"
4. expressing a polite request.
"would you pour the wine, please?"
expressing willingness or consent.
"who would live here?"
5. expressing a conjecture, opinion, or hope.
"I would imagine that they'll want to keep it"
6. used to make a comment about behavior that is typical.
"every night we would hear the boy crying"
7. literary
expressing a wish or regret.
"would that he had lived to finish it"

Translations, word origin, and more definitions
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English L...

Thank you very much jewels sir for a helpful response. BUT I'm searching here is that would is used as "presumption" or guess in the 1 2 and 3rd sentences above, but can't we use could or may instead of "would" to mean "presumption" ? At last, i want to know the meaning of 5th sentence "you would have to say that".

Jewels Vern

Well, now you are getting into philosophy. You are asking for subtle shades of meaning where most people speak without knowing what they mean. It is quite likely that a person who says any of those things can not explain his meaning in any other words. If he is talking about politics, you would simply assume that he does not actually know what he means.

English L...

Oh i see what you mean. But, people whoes native language is language is English can speak or use to mean "guessin or presumption". But i'm not native of english language. So, how can i use it ? Could you give me examples how and when to use 'would' to mean 'presumption or guessing ?

Jewels Vern

For heaven sake! You already know more than most native speakers! Stop worrying!

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