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Zoltán Király Posted 12 years ago
Grammar
Is would a modal verb?
Hi,
Is "would" a modal verb like "can"?
I what tense is this question:
Would you like some coffee?
I read "would" is used in the past, but the question "Would you like some coffee?" sounds like simple present.
Any suggestion would be appreciated. Thank you!
Is "would" a modal verb like "can"?
I what tense is this question:
Would you like some coffee?
I read "would" is used in the past, but the question "Would you like some coffee?" sounds like simple present.
Any suggestion would be appreciated. Thank you!
Top answer
Would is indeed a modal verb. In some contexts, it functions as the past tense of will ,, but in others itappears to be almost an independent modal. I find it more useful to consider will and would as closely related, but separate, modals.
- Would is indeed a modal verb.
- In some contexts, it functions as the past tense of will ,, but in others itappears to be almost an independent modal.
- I find it more useful to consider will and would as closely related, but separate, modals.
- Would is generally used for situations seen as more remote in time, reality or directness than will.
- There is little point in using the word 'tense' with any modals.
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1 Answers
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Would is indeed a modal verb. In some contexts, it functions as the past tense of will,, but in others itappears to be almost an independent modal.
I find it more useful to consider will and would as closely related, but separate, modals. Would is generally used for situations seen as more remote in time, reality or directness than will. There is
I find it more useful to consider will and would as closely related, but separate, modals. Would is generally used for situations seen as more remote in time, reality or directness than will. There is
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