Complete Guide to the Modal Verb “Would” with Examples in English and Hindi

Modal verbs add depth and nuance to English communication, and “would” stands out as one of the most versatile. This comprehensive guide explores all aspects of “would” – its meanings, uses, sentence structures, and rules – with detailed explanations and practical examples in both English and Hindi.

Meaning of “Would” (Would का अर्थ)

“Would” serves multiple important functions:

• Conditional Situations (सशर्त स्थितियाँ) – काल्पनिक परिस्थितियों को व्यक्त करना
• Past Habits (बीती आदतें) – बीते समय की आदतों के बारे में बताना
• Polite Requests (विनम्र निवेदन) – विनम्रता से अनुरोध करना
• Preferences (पसंद/नापसंद) – इच्छाओं और वरीयताओं को व्यक्त करना
• Future in the Past (भूतकाल में भविष्य) – बीते समय में भविष्य के बारे में सोचना

Uses of “Would” with Detailed Explanation

1. Conditional Sentences (सशर्त वाक्य)

Used in the main clause of conditional sentences (Type 2 and 3).

Structure: If + past tense, subject + would + V1
Examples:

• If I had money, I would buy a car. (अगर मेरे पास पैसे होते, तो मैं कार खरीदता।)
• She would have come if you had invited her. (वह आती अगर तुमने उसे बुलाया होता।)

2. Past Habits (बीती आदतें)

Used to describe repeated actions in the past (similar to “used to”).

Structure: Subject + would + V1
Examples:

• He would visit us every Sunday. (वह हर रविवार को हमसे मिलने आता था।)
• My grandfather would tell me stories. (मेरे दादा मुझे कहानियाँ सुनाया करते थे।)

3. Polite Requests (विनम्र निवेदन)

Makes requests more courteous than “will”.

Structure: Would + you + V1?
Examples:

• Would you please pass the salt? (क्या आप नमक दे देंगे कृपया?)
• Would you mind closing the door? (क्या आप दरवाज़ा बंद कर देंगे?)

4. Expressing Preferences (पसंद जताना)

Used with “rather” or “prefer” to show choices.

Structure: Subject + would rather/prefer + V1
Examples:

• I would rather stay home. (मैं घर पर ही रहना पसंद करूँगा।)
• They would prefer tea over coffee. (वे कॉफी की बजाय चाय पसंद करेंगे।)

5. Future in the Past (भूतकाल में भविष्य)

Used when talking about the future from a past perspective.

Structure: Subject + would + V1
Examples:

• He said he would call me. (उसने कहा था कि वह मुझे फोन करेगा।)
• We knew it would rain. (हम जानते थे कि बारिश होगी।)

Negative Form – Would not/Wouldn’t

To express refusal or negative scenarios.

Structure: Subject + would not/wouldn’t + V1
Examples:

• She wouldn’t tell me the secret. (वह मुझे रहस्य नहीं बताएगी।)
• I wouldn’t do that if I were you. (अगर मैं तुम्हारी जगह होता तो वह नहीं करता।)

Question Form

Used to ask polite questions or about hypothetical situations.

Structure: Would + subject + V1?
Examples:

• Would you like some coffee? (क्या आप कॉफी लेंगे?)
• What would you do in my place? (मेरी जगह तुम क्या करोगे?)

Important Rules About “Would”

1. Always followed by base form of verb (V1)
2. More polite than “will” in requests
3. Never changes form (no -s, -ing, -ed endings)
4. Often used in reported speech
5. Common in hypothetical thinking (“would you mind…”)

15 Examples of “Would” in English and Hindi

S.No.	English Sentence	Hindi Translation
1.	I would help you if I could.	अगर मैं कर पाता तो तुम्हारी मदद करता।
2.	Would you like some tea?	क्या आप चाय लेंगे?
3.	She would always smile.	वह हमेशा मुस्कुराया करती थी।
4.	I would rather walk.	मैं चलना ही पसंद करूँगा।
5.	He said he would come.	उसने कहा था कि वह आएगा।
6.	Would you mind waiting?	क्या आप इंतज़ार करेंगे?
7.	We would visit grandma every summer.	हम हर गर्मी में दादी के पास जाया करते थे।
8.	It would be great if you joined.	बढ़िया होगा अगर तुम शामिल हो जाओ।
9.	Would you pass the book?	क्या आप किताब दे देंगे?
10.	I wouldn’t do that.	मैं वह नहीं करता।
11.	What would you do?	तुम क्या करोगे?
12.	They would often argue.	वे अक्सर बहस किया करते थे।
13.	Would you prefer window or aisle?	आपको खिड़की वाली सीट चाहिए या गलियारे वाली?
14.	I wish you would understand.	काश तुम समझ पाते।
15.	He wouldn’t listen to anyone.	वह किसी की नहीं सुनता था।

Conclusion

Mastering “would” significantly enhances your English fluency, enabling you to express hypothetical situations, past habits, polite requests, and preferences with nuance. Its versatility makes it indispensable for both formal and informal communication.

“Would” का सही प्रयोग आपकी अंग्रेज़ी को अधिक परिष्कृत और प्रभावशाली बनाता है!

Regular practice of these examples will help you use “would” naturally in conversations! 

Have any questions about using “would”? Feel free to ask in the comments!