In our previous piece we discussed on the auxiliary verbs, “should” and “shall,” how to use them appropriately to express one’s thoughts and ideas, and get the audience to understand the message clearly, devoid of ambiguity. We as well, submitted that the two words can’t be used interchangeably, but rather they mean different things in the written and spoken vocabulary. The “should” word is expressly devoted to reported speech. We emphasised; also, it represents obligation, duty or recommendation. We cited this example, culled from Chambers 21st Century Dictionary thus: “You should brush your teeth regularly.”
And used conditionally; “If she should die before you, what would happen?” And so on. While the “shall” verb is talking about the future, or to express simple future, it also expresses permission, obligation or determination. For instance, “You shall have what you want.” “You shall become king.” “You shall not kill,” etc. We noted that “shall” is often used in questions in the second person to show that the question is really a natural request for information rather than request that something be done; “Shall you tell him about it?” Just as we treated the two auxiliary verbs, “should” and “shall,” the next in the family of auxiliary verbs, “would” and “will” can equally be taken for granted with the erroneous impression that the two serve or mean the same thing.
And with that assumption, the two-syllable vocabularies, “would” and “will” have been incorrectly engaged all this while. But then, the truth is, we shut our eyes over them, certain that we won’t be talked down on, with the mentality of most people that English is a borrowed language, so, why would we kill ourselves to get it right? That is the lazy man’s thinking! But seriously, the Queen’s English is what we are concerned about. It can never be watered down. We must make effort to imitate the Standard English, and use them appropriately to convince the reading and listening audiences we are meant to educate, inform and entertain as events break around the globe. So, let’s scrutinise the auxiliary verbs, “would” and “will,” and how we can correctly apply them to fit into our arguments; drive home the message flawlessly to make the desired impact.
The “would,” pronounced (wud), auxiliary verb, is basically used for reported speech, as the past tense of “will”; to indicate willingness, readiness, or probability, Chambers 21st Century Dictionary reports; also, to indicate habitual action. For instance, one can correctly explain: “Seyi said he would leave the village for Lagos at 10.” “He was asked to give a helping hand, but wouldn’t.” “The television just wouldn’t work after much money has been spent to repair it.” “Samuel would eat at 10 pm despite warnings that, eating late into the night could trigger health issues.” To imply that something happening is predictable or unsurprising, the auxiliary verb “would”, applies. “
Makinde refused to help, but I suppose he would.” The “would” equally suggest obstinate resistance to advice, the reference book states: “Inspite of the dangers he went through, John would have his own way.” To express frustration at some happening, “would” comes handy; “it would rain just as we are about stepping out.” One could also court the “would” auxiliary verb to express probable outcome of a particular or predictable condition in place; “I would have told him not to travel.” To make polite invitations, offers, requests; the “would” expression becomes necessary, the dictionary advised; “how I wish John would stop distracting us.” For seeking opinion, putting it politely, “I would suggest…” “Would you not agree to follow my instructions?” Etc.
The “will” auxiliary verb, expresses or indicates the future tense of other verbs. It’s also useful for intention or determination, when the subject is, ‘I,’ ‘we,’ also as a request; “they will no doubt succeed.” “We will not abandon the struggle.” “Will you shut the door gently.” It could also be used as a command; “You will apologise to your father immediately.” For invitation to the dining table; “will you have some tea?” For an assumption and probability, the auxiliary verb, “will,” would do: “That will be Philip at the door.” These are few examples to enable you choose appropriately words to convey your ideas.
