Use of "Would"

[kimdsouza]

Hi Instructors,

I'm a little confused about the usage of "would".

I know that "Would" is used in the following situations:
1) Refering to the Future in the Past
Example:
The company announced that it would expand into Asia next month.

2) Subjunctive Mood (Hypothetical Situations)
Example:
If I were rich, then I would buy an island

Question 1
Are the situations listed above comprehensive? - Any other situation in which "would" can be used?

Question 2
I have seen the following sentences that use "would"
Are these sentences are correct?
A: What would you like to see in the next book?
B: I wouldn't like that
C: Would you do me a favour?
D: I Would never do that

[vsatish_chandra]

I know that "Would" is used in the following situations:
1) Refering to the Future in the Past
Example:
The company announced that it would expand into Asia next month.

2) Subjunctive Mood (Hypothetical Situations)
Example:
If I were rich, then I would buy an island

Question 1
Are the situations listed above comprehensive? - Any other situation in which "would" can be used?

As far as I have read, these are the only two correct usages of 'would'

Question 2
I have seen the following sentences that use "would"
Are these sentences are correct?
A: What would you like to see in the next book?
B: I wouldn't like that
C: Would you do me a favour?
D: I Would never do that

I think the phrases/sentences that you have mentioned under your second question are those we use during normal (ie. non-GMAT) conversations - also called "colloquial usage".

In some of your examples, 'would' is used in a subjunctive mood -

for example:if you elaborate the sentence: "I would never do that", it should read:

"if I were you (which is hypothetical), I would never do that" - this usage is inline with what GMAT considers correct.


I think the important point to consider here is to not read past 'will' or 'would' in a SC question without double checking the verb tense and mood.

[kimdsouza]

Thanks Satish! - Good explanation there

Instructors, Can you please confirm?

[tim]

"would" is used to express a hypothetical, as demonstrated in both of your examples. This is pretty much the only use you'll see on the GMAT..