What does would + verb sentence mean?

[compiler]

She would know it. He would answer the question. Why does speaker use would + verb? Thanks.

 

[Barb_D]

It depends on the context of each sentence.

It's been said, and I agree, that after articles, "would" is the hardest thing to explain in English.

So what came before each of these sentences?

 

[compiler]

It depends on the context of each sentence.

It's been said, and I agree, that after articles, "would" is the hardest thing to explain in English.

So what came before each of these sentences?

I made the sentences. So, why do you want to use would before a verb to speak? Does anyone know it?

 

[Boris Tatarenko]

If you want an expalnation, you need to provide the full context.
Not a teacher nor a native speaker.

 

[Tdol]

It could mean many things. The speaker could be annoyed or frustrated that she knows it. They could be politely suggesting that she's the person to ask because they don't know it. Meaning is generated by context, so a lot would depend on the context. Would has many meanings.

 

[compiler]

It could mean many things. The speaker could be annoyed or frustrated that she knows it. They could be politely suggesting that she's the person to ask because they don't know it. Meaning is generated by context, so a lot would depend on the context. Would has many meanings.

Why did you use would to say so a lot would depend on the context instead of so a lot depend on the context?

 

[Barb_D]

Why did you use would to say so a lot would depend on the context instead of so a lot depends on the context?

If it were available, -- conditional would.

 

[Tdol]

Why did you use would to say so a lot would depend on the context instead of so a lot depend on the context?

You haven't provided a context, so I am talking about contexts that are imaginary/hypothetical- they don't exist in this thread.

Here's a context:
A: I was hoping to keep it a secret, but Janet knows all about it.
B: She would know, wouldn't she?

Here we have a context illustrating one of the uses I described in my post earlier- person B is using would to express annoyance or frustration about her being the sort of person who manages to find out things you're trying to keep secret.

 

[Matthew Wai]

Why did you use would to say so a lot would depend on the context instead of so a lot depend on the context?

We should say "depend" if the contexts exist, but "would depend" if they do not exist.
Is it correct?

 

[MikeNewYork]

It should be "a lot depends".

 

[compiler]

If it were available, -- conditional would.

So, if one says would + verb, there is actually an if sentence is omitted, or would+ verb implies uncertain. Is it correct?

 

[Barb_D]

No. That's not correct.
It depends on the context.

 

[MikeNewYork]

No. Another use of would + verb is to indicate habits in the past

When I was in college we would eat dinner in front of the TV.

 

[Matthew Wai]

would+ verb implies uncertain

There should be no uncertainty in "I would like to have a cup of coffee".

Not a teacher.

 

[Tdol]

The possibility may be small, but if that small possibility comes through, then the would part is definite.