Would is the past tense of will in indirect speech.

• Direct: She said, ‘I will not tolerate this any longer.’
• Indirect: She said that she would not tolerate that any longer.

Willingness and determination

Would expresses willingness or a rather perverse determination.

• He said he would help me. (Willingness)
• She would have her own way. (Determination)

Would can be used to talk about a customary action in the past.

• After dinner the students would sit in the hall and chat for a while.

Both would and would like can be used to express a wish.

• I would know what my duty is.
• I would like to know what my duty is.

Would rather

Would rather expresses choice or preference.

• She would rather die than marry him.
• I would rather sleep than watch that stupid movie.

• They would rather starve than surrender.

Would is used for asking polite questions.

• Would you like a cup of coffee? (More polite than ‘Will you like a cup of coffee?’)

• Would you mind helping me with my homework? (More polite than ‘Will you mind helping me with my homework?’)

Related posts:

1. Modal Auxiliary Verb Would
2. Modal Auxiliary Verb Will
3. Uses of Should
4. What are Auxiliary verbs?