Uses of Will and Would

In certain contexts, will and would are virtually interchangeable, but there are differences. Notice that the contracted form 'll is very frequently used for will

:Will can be used to express willingness

• .I'll wash the dishes if you dry
• ?We're going to the movies. Will you join us

:It can also express intention especially in the first person

• .I'll do my exercises later on

:and prediction

• .specific: The meeting will be over soon
• .timeless: Humidity will ruin my hairdo
• .habitual: The river will overflow its banks every spring

:Would can also be used to express willingness

• ?Would you please take off your hat

It can also express insistence

(rather rare, and with a strong stress on the word "would)

• .Now you've ruined everything. You would act that way

:and characteristic activity

• .customary: After work, he would walk to his home in West Hartford
• .typical (casual): She would cause the whole family to be late, every time

:In a main clause, would can express a hypothetical meaning

• .My cocker spaniel would weigh a ton if I let her eat what she wants

:Finally, would can express a sense of probability

• .I hear a whistle. That would be the five o'clock train