Learning when to use “will” and “would” correctly is a key part of improving your English grammar. While these two modal verbs appear similar, they serve very different purposes. This guide on Will or Would Exercises will help you clearly understand how each word works.
You’ll find easy explanations, real-life examples, and fun grammar activities to practice. Whether you’re starting your English Grammar journey to sound more natural, this lesson will help you build accuracy and fluency.
“Will” is used to talk about future actions, promises, or quick decisions—it shows confidence and certainty.
“Would” is used to describe imaginary or unreal situations, polite requests, and habits from the past.
By the end, you’ll know exactly when to say “will” and when to use “would.”
What Do “Will” and “Would” Mean
Both “will” and “would” express intention, possibility, or willingness—but they differ in time and certainty.
When to Use “Will”
Use it for: future plans, promises, or spontaneous choices.
Examples:
- I will call you later.
- She will help you with your project.
- They will arrive at 7 p.m.
When to Use “Would”
Use it for: politeness, imagination, or actions you used to do regularly.
Examples:
- I would buy that car if I had the money.
- Would you like some coffee?
- When I was a kid, I would play outside all afternoon.
Comparing “Will” and “Would”
| Usage | Example with “Will” | Example with “Would” |
| Future actions | I will study tonight. | — |
| Hypothetical situations | — | I would move abroad if I could. |
| Polite requests | Will you help me? | Would you mind helping me? |
| Past habits | — | I would visit my grandparents every weekend. |
Quick Rule:
- Use will for things that are real or certain.
- Use would for things that are imaginary, polite, or less certain.
Will or Would Exercises
Fill in the blanks with “will” or “would.”
- I think it ___ rain later.
- If I were you, I ___ accept that offer.
- She ___ call you after she gets home.
- When I was younger, I ___ walk to school every morning.
- ___ you like some tea?
Answers and Explanations
| Sentence | Correct Answer | Why |
| 1. I think it ___ rain later. | will | A future prediction |
| 2. If I were you, I ___ accept that offer. | would | Imaginary situation |
| 3. She ___ call you after she gets home. | will | Future action |
| 4. When I was younger, I ___ walk to school every morning. | would | Past habit |
| 5. ___ you like some tea? | Would | Polite question |
Practice: Change “Will” to “Would”
Rewrite each sentence using “would” to make it sound softer or more polite.
| Original | Revised |
| Will you lend me your book? | Would you lend me your book? |
| I think it will be easy. | I think it would be easy. |
| Will you come to my party? | Would you come to my party? |
Will or Would Quiz
Choose the correct option.
- If I had time, I ___ learn guitar.
a) will b) would - Don’t worry, I ___ help you.
a) will b) would - When I was a child, I ___ play football every weekend.
a) will b) would
Answers: 1 → b | 2 → a | 3 → b
Beginner “Would” Practice
If you’re just starting to learn “would,” focus on these main situations:
- Polite questions
- Unreal or imagined ideas
- Past repeated actions
Examples:
- Would you like to join us? → polite offe
- I would love to visit Paris someday. → imaginary wish
- My father would tell bedtime stories every night. → past routine
Tip: Practice daily by writing three “would” sentences—one for each use above.
Common Uses of “Would” Explained
| Use | Example | Meaning |
| Polite request | Would you please open the window? | Sounds kind and respectful |
| Imaginary situation | I would live near the beach if I could. | Expresses a dream or wish |
| Past habit | We would go camping every summer. | Describes repeated past action |
| Soft opinion | I would say this color looks better. | Gently gives a suggestion |
Free Downloadable Worksheet
Want more practice
Download our “Will or Would Exercises PDF” with:
- Over 30 grammar questions
- Detailed answers and explanations
- A quick grammar review chart for revision
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can “would” talk about the future?
Yes, when the sentence looks at the future from a past viewpoint.
Example: He said he would call me tomorrow.
Is it wrong to use “will” instead of “would”?
Not always—but the meaning changes.
Will = definite; Would = imagined or polite.
Example: I will go (sure) vs. I would go (conditional).
How can I quickly choose between them?
Ask yourself: Is it real or imaginary?
If it’s real → use will.
If it’s imagined or polite → use would.
Is “would” only for conditional sentences?
No. It’s also used for polite offers, soft suggestions, and past habits.
Why is “would” considered the past of “will”?
Because it describes something expected or planned from a past moment.
Example: She thought she would pass the exam.
What’s the difference between “Will you…” and “Would you…”?
Will you = direct or certain request.
Would you = polite or formal.
Example: Would you open the door, please?
Can “would” express opinions or advice?
Yes. It makes your speech sound polite.
Example: I would suggest taking the earlier train.
Can both appear in one sentence?
Yes, especially in conditionals or formal speech.
Example: If you will come early, I would be very happy.
How can I practice effectively?
Write three daily examples:
- One with will (future)
- One with would (polite)
- One with would (imaginary)
What mistakes do learners usually make
- Using “will” in unreal situations.
- Forgetting that “would” describes repeated actions in the past.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between “will” and “would” is more than just a grammar rule—it’s a key to sounding natural, polite, and confident in English. While “will” helps you talk about the future and certainty, “would” allows you to express imaginary ideas, politeness, and past habits with ease.
By practicing the exercises and examples in this guide, you can quickly develop a clear sense of when to use each form. Keep using “will” for real, definite actions, and “would” for polite or unreal situations. With regular practice, these modal verbs will soon become a natural part of your everyday English communication—helping you speak and write with accuracy and confidence.