Use of the Word, "Would"

[Steerforth]

Hello,

I am a teacher and have taught business English in the past.

A good number of people have been having a discussion with much disagreement over the use of the word, "would" in a sentence. I am asking for very specific details:

You plan a picnic, and on that day, it rains. You say:

“Of course it would be raining!”

How is would used? Is it a "conditional verb"?

Anything to do with "expressing volition"?

Is it an answer to a rhetorical (unspoken) question?

Is it merely the past tense of "will"?

If anybody knows, I'd appreciate a short essay. I am looking for specific details. Thanks very much!

[susiedq]

See "derogatory' section
Would

[Steerforth]

That's my point: which one is it?

I got that far myself before joining the forum.

S.

[Steerforth]

Sorry, I see what you mean.

Thanks!

[Pedroski]

“Of course it would be raining!”

“Of course it would (have to) be raining (just when we are about to have our picnic)!”

This is clearly the ironicative case of 'would'! Or an unwanted zero conditional.