would

[jiang]

Dear teachers,

I'd like to ask something about the meanings of the word 'would'. Please read the following sentences and see if my answers are correct or not:

1. And while the lady would sometimes smile, she would often yell and scold. Even more frequently she would resort to physical punishment.

In this sentence each of the meaning of the word 'would' suggests 'used to do'. Is that right?

2. I had never imagined school would have this rich variety of experiences.
Here 'would' is the past form of 'will'. Is that right?

I would find the answer at home.

Here 'would' is the past tense of 'will'. Is that right?

3. I had to cross the street to reach our house, but the stream of cars would not let up.

I am not sure of the meaning here. Is it the past tense of 'will'?

4. I wondered when I would be able to cross.

Here 'would' is the past tense of 'will'. Is that right?

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Thank you in advance.

Jiang

 

[Francois]

1. Correct
2. Correct
3. Not really. It is closer to the meaning of 'willing'. It is as though the stream deliberately went on and on. This turn of speech generally shows that something tries your patience, as in "the car won't start".
4. Correct

Teachers to correct me if I'm wrong...

FRC

 

[jiang]

Thank you very much for your response and explanation. No teachers have corrected your answers. Maybe you are correct.
Jiang

1. Correct
2. Correct
3. Not really. It is closer to the meaning of 'willing'. It is as though the stream deliberately went on and on. This turn of speech generally shows that something tries your patience, as in "the car won't start".
4. Correct

Teachers to correct me if I'm wrong...

FRC