Will plus the base verb describes a present habit, often mildly annoying and typically stressed in speech, as in he will always leave the door open. Would plus the base verb describes a past habit, purely descriptive, as in she would often sit by the window, though would cannot describe past states.
Grammar Rule
Will + base verb describes a present habit, often mildly annoying, typically stressed in speech. Would + base verb describes a past habit, purely descriptive, common in narrative writing. Would cannot describe past states — only used to covers both actions and states.
Will and Would for Habitual Actions in Present and Past: Rules and Examples
| Form | Nuance | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Will (present habit) | often mildly annoying | He will always leave the door open. |
| Would (past habit) | neutral, descriptive, actions only | She would often sit by the window for hours. |
Remember: Will = present habit, often with mild annoyance; would = past habit (action only, not state, unlike used to).
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below using will and would for habitual actions correctly. 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.
C2-13 Will and Would for Habitual Actions Present/Past
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does will plus the base verb describe?
A present habit, often mildly annoying, as in he will always leave the door open.
What does would plus the base verb describe?
A past habit, purely descriptive, as in she would often sit by the window for hours.
Can would describe past states?
No, only used to covers both actions and states.
How is will typically pronounced in this present-habit use?
Stressed in speech, since it signals mild annoyance.