Dictionary
English - Dutch

Would

wʊd
Extremely common
0 - 100
0 - 100
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

Zou, Zou (voorwaardelijk), Zou (verlangen of voorkeur uitdrukken), Zou (verleden tijd van willen), Zou (indirecte rede)

Would meanings in Dutch

Zou

Example:
I would like a cup of coffee.
Ik zou graag een kopje koffie willen.
He said he would help us.
Hij zei dat hij ons zou helpen.
Usage: Formal/InformalContext: Used to express desires or polite requests.
Note: In Dutch, 'zou' is often used to express conditionality or future intentions.

Zou (voorwaardelijk)

Example:
If I had time, I would travel more.
Als ik tijd had, zou ik meer reizen.
She would be happy if you came.
Ze zou blij zijn als je kwam.
Usage: Formal/InformalContext: Used in conditional sentences to express what might happen under certain circumstances.
Note: This usage often involves the conditional 'als' (if) to set the scenario.

Zou (verlangen of voorkeur uitdrukken)

Example:
I would prefer to stay home tonight.
Ik zou liever vanavond thuisblijven.
They would rather go to the beach than the mountains.
Ze zouden liever naar het strand gaan dan naar de bergen.
Usage: InformalContext: Used to express preferences or wishes.
Note: 'Lieber' can also be used to express preference in Dutch, but 'zou' is commonly used.

Zou (verleden tijd van willen)

Example:
I would have gone if I had known.
Ik zou gegaan zijn als ik het had geweten.
He would have called you, but he forgot.
Hij zou je gebeld hebben, maar hij vergat het.
Usage: FormalContext: Used to express hypothetical situations in the past.
Note: This form often involves the auxiliary 'hebben' to indicate a past perfect structure.

Zou (indirecte rede)

Example:
She said she would come to the party.
Ze zei dat ze naar het feest zou komen.
He mentioned that he would finish the project by Friday.
Hij noemde dat hij het project voor vrijdag zou afmaken.
Usage: Formal/InformalContext: Used in reported speech to convey what someone else said they would do.
Note: In Dutch, the verb structure often changes in reported speech, but 'zou' remains.

Would's synonyms

Could

Could is a modal verb used to express possibility or ability. It is often used to make polite requests or offers.
Example: I could help you with your homework.
Note: Could is more polite and less direct compared to would.

Might

Might is a modal verb used to express possibility, permission, or suggestion. It is often used when something is not certain.
Example: I might go to the party if I finish my work on time.
Note: Might implies a lower level of certainty compared to would.

Should

Should is a modal verb used to give advice, make recommendations, or express obligation.
Example: You should call your parents to let them know you're safe.
Note: Should is used to indicate a recommendation or obligation, whereas would is more about expressing willingness or preference.

May

May is a modal verb used to ask for permission or to express possibility.
Example: May I borrow your pen for a moment?
Note: May is more formal and polite compared to would, especially when seeking permission.

Would expressions, common phrases

Would you mind

This phrase is used to make a polite request or ask for permission.
Example: Would you mind passing me the salt?
Note: The addition of 'you mind' changes the tone to be more polite compared to just using 'would.'

Would you like

This phrase is used to offer something or ask someone's preference.
Example: Would you like some coffee?
Note: The addition of 'you like' makes the question more specific and offers a choice.

Would rather

This phrase is used to express a preference or choice between two options.
Example: I would rather stay home than go out tonight.
Note: The use of 'rather' emphasizes a strong preference or choice compared to just using 'would.'

Would you believe

This phrase is used to introduce something surprising or hard to believe.
Example: Would you believe I saw a unicorn in the park?
Note: The addition of 'you believe' adds a sense of skepticism or wonder to the statement.

Would you care

This phrase is used to offer something or inquire about someone's interest.
Example: Would you care for some dessert?
Note: The inclusion of 'you care' conveys a sense of consideration or attentiveness.

Would rather not

This phrase is used to politely decline or express a negative preference.
Example: I would rather not discuss that topic right now.
Note: The addition of 'rather not' indicates a clear refusal or avoidance of something.

Would you mind if

This phrase is used to ask for permission in a polite manner.
Example: Would you mind if I borrowed your pen for a moment?
Note: The inclusion of 'if' specifies the condition under which the request is made.

Would everyday (slang) expressions

Woulda

Woulda is a contraction of 'would have'. It is commonly used in informal spoken language to express regret or hypothetical situations.
Example: I woulda called you, but my phone died.
Note: Woulda is a colloquial contraction that is not considered standard English.

Would've

Would've is a contraction of 'would have'. It is commonly used in informal speech and writing.
Example: I would've gone with you if I had known earlier.
Note: Would've is a contraction of the formal 'would have'.

Wouldn't

Wouldn't is a contraction of 'would not'. It is often used to express refusal, impossibility, or hypothetical situations.
Example: I wouldn't say that if I were you.
Note: Wouldn't is the negative form of 'would'.

Would stick

The phrase 'would stick with' means to continue with or choose something. It is used to give advice or express preference.
Example: I would stick with the original plan if I were you.
Note: The addition of 'stick with' adds emphasis and shows commitment compared to just saying 'would'.

Would say

The phrase 'would say' is used to give an opinion or judgment about something.
Example: I would say you've made the right decision.
Note: Adding 'say' after 'would' emphasizes the speaker's confidence in the opinion expressed.

Would go for

To 'go for' something means to choose or select it. It is used to indicate a preference or recommendation.
Example: I would go for the second option if I were in your shoes.
Note: 'Would go for' implies actively choosing or selecting something, adding a sense of decision-making compared to just 'would'.

Would think

The phrase 'would think' is used to suggest consideration or reflection before taking action.
Example: I would think twice before making such a big decision.
Note: Using 'would think' implies a process of reasoning or mental deliberation before reaching a decision.

Would - Examples

I would like a cup of coffee.
Ik zou graag een kopje koffie willen.
Would you like to go for a walk?
Zou je graag een wandeling willen maken?
He said he would help me with my homework.
Hij zei dat hij me zou helpen met mijn huiswerk.
If I had more time, I would travel the world.
Als ik meer tijd had, zou ik de wereld rondreizen.

Would grammar

Would - Auxiliary (Auxiliary) / Modal (Modal)
Lemma: would
Conjugations
Syllables, Separation and Stress
Would Contains 1 syllables: would
Phonetic transcription: wəd
would , wəd (The red syllable is stressed)

Would - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
Would: 0 - 100 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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