Talking about Willingness 

"Talking about Willingness" in the English Grammar

How to Talk about Willingness?

There are different ways to talk about willingness in English. Some of the most common ways is using the modal verbs will and would, the main verb 'want' and the phrase 'be willing to.'

Willingness with 'Would'

To talk about your willingness and unwillingness you can use the modal verb would. When we are unwilling to do something we use the negative form of these modal verbs. In this case, all we have to do is to add not to the modal verb would.

Example

He would gladly lend you the money.

They would start a new company if they had the money.

Willingness with 'Will'

'Will' can be used to show that someone is ready, volunteering, or agreeing to do something. The negative form 'will not' and its contracted form 'wont' show unwillingness toward an action. For example:

Example

He'll help you with your homework

I won't tell you my secret.

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Willingness with 'Be Willing To'

We can also use the phrase 'be willing to' to show willingness. 'Be willing to' can be used in past, present, and future. For examples:

Example

She's willing to work weekends.

She was willing to take care of the children.

I don't know if he'll be willing to help us again.

The Verb 'Want'

The main verb 'want' is commonly used to show willingness or intention to do something. 'Want' is a catenative verb and needs a to-infinitive after it. Check out the examples:

Example

She wants to stay late and finish the project.

I want to help.

Review

We can use the modal verbs 'will' and 'would' as well s the main verb 'want' and the phrase 'be willing to' to talk about willingness. Check out the table below.

will

I will do everything I can to help.

would

I would go if I could.

be willing to

She's willing to wait.

want

I really want to help, so I'll stay late.

Quiz:


1.

Which of the following sentences correctly expresses willingness using "would"?

A

She would help us if she has more time.

B

He would be happy to join the team if invited.

C

I would to help you with your homework.

D

They would goes shopping after lunch.

2.

Sort the words to form a correct sentence.

she
.
willing
weekends
to
is
work
3.

Match each incomplete sentence with the correct ending.

I will
We are
Our team would
Most employees want
to take on extra shifts during the holidays.
consider your proposal if you submit it by Friday.
willing to work late if necessary.
help you with your project.
4.

Fill in the blank with the correct word or phrase.

He really

to join the team and help with the project.

I

not tell you my secret, so don't ask again.

She was

to take care of the children while we were away.

If they had more money, they

start their own business.

5.

Which sentence best expresses willingness using a modal verb?

A

She wants to finish the report by Friday.

B

They are willing to work overtime.

C

He would gladly help if you asked.

D

I went to the meeting willingly.

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