Indicating obligation and willingness

Students' problems

page 4 of 11

Distinguishing between would and will

Many people use the modal would incorrectly instead of will to express their future intentions:

I am writing to confirm that I would be available at any time between September and November to attend the English classes. (Trainee Surveyor)

This lesson would help students build their vocabulary relating to the Christmas festivities. (Trainee Teacher)

In the future, I promise that I would not buy a fur coat or kill animals to earn money. (TeleNex Students)

For further information about the use of these modal verbs, see Indicating obligation and willingness: Using modal verbs to indicate willingness.

Introduction
Using modals with other verbs
The contracted form of will
Distinguishing between would and will
The modal could
The semi-modal need
The semi-modal dare
Adjectives used to indicate obligation
Distinguishing between nouns and other parts of speech
Distinguishing between suggest and advise
Distinguishing between willing and want