Car "Wouldn't" Start?

[mitsuwao23]

Hi all,

Will anyone please make good examples using "car didn't start" and "car wouldn't start" that illustrate the difference clearly between "did" and "would"? I'm having trouble with these words, especially when the subjects are things, not people.

Thank you in advance,
M

 

[SoothingDave]

Not a teacher.

The sentences are essentially the same, except when you say it would not start you are personifying the car and giving it a will.

 

[nicolewatson]

I think there is only a tiny difference, if any. Perhaps if you say it DID NOT start then it sounds as though you tried to start it only once, however if you say it WOULD NOT start it sounds as though you tried many times.