Would that plus a subject plus past or past perfect is an archaic, poetic pattern meaning I wish that, as in would that I had known sooner. Would is also used for extremely polite requests, as in would you be so kind as to hold the door, or would you mind plus a gerund, never a bare infinitive.
Grammar Rule
Would that plus subject plus past or past perfect is an archaic, poetic pattern meaning I wish that. Far more common is using would for extremely polite requests, combined with fixed phrases such as Would you be so kind as to, or Would you mind plus gerund. A common mistake is following would you mind with a bare infinitive instead of a gerund.
Would for Wishes and Extreme Politeness: Rules and Examples
| Pattern | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Would that + subject + past/past perfect | formal/literary wish | Would that I had known sooner. |
| Would you be so kind as to… | extremely polite request | Would you be so kind as to hold the door? |
| Would you mind + gerund | polite request | Would you mind lowering your voice? |
Remember: Use would that for formal wishes and would you mind plus -ing, never a bare infinitive, for the highest degree of politeness.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below using would correctly for wishes and extreme politeness. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
C1-35 Would for Wishes and Extreme Politeness
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does would that plus subject plus past mean?
I wish that, in an archaic, poetic register, as in would that I had known sooner.
How do you form an extremely polite request with would?
With fixed phrases like would you be so kind as to, as in would you be so kind as to hold the door.
What form follows would you mind?
A gerund, never a bare infinitive, as in would you mind lowering your voice.
Is would that common in everyday speech?
No, it is an archaic, literary pattern, rarely used in everyday conversation.