Introduction
Today's Goals
Conditional Statements
Master "would" in hypothetical and conditional situations
Polite Professional Language
Use "would" for diplomatic requests and courteous communication
Warm-up Practice
Click to hear examples:
Why Master 'Would'?
'Would' is the key to diplomatic business communication: "Would you mind reviewing this?", "I would suggest a different approach", "If we had more budget, we would expand the team". It makes your English sound sophisticated and considerate, essential for senior-level professional interactions.
Would Patterns
Professional 'Would' Usage
| Function | Pattern | Example | Professional Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polite Requests | Would you...? | Would you mind checking this document? | Client communication |
| Preferences | I would prefer/like... | I would prefer the afternoon meeting | Scheduling and planning |
| Conditional Results | If..., would... | If we had more time, we would add features | Strategic planning |
| Hypothetical Advice | I would... | In your position, I would consult legal | Consulting and advice |
Soften Direct Requests
Transform "Send me the report" → "Would you send me the report?"
Express Hypothetical Scenarios
"If we had unlimited budget, what would you prioritize?"
Give Diplomatic Advice
"In this situation, I would consider multiple options"
Professional Scenarios
Client Meeting Requests (A2 Level)
Scenario: Scheduling a Meeting
Practice using "would" for polite requests and preferences in professional communication.
Polite Request Phrases
Scheduling
Requests
Responses
Strategic Planning Discussion (B1 Level)
Scenario: Budget Planning Meeting
Practice using "would" for hypothetical situations and conditional statements in strategic discussions.
Strategic Discussion Phrases
Hypotheticals
Recommendations
Consequences
Practice Tip: Click on any dialogue line to hear the pronunciation. Use the sentence starters to create your own professional scenarios. Pay attention to how "would" makes statements more diplomatic!
Practice Activities
Real Diplomatic Practice
Apply "would" in professional speaking situations with these scenario cards!
How would you make these requests politely?
Practice transforming direct statements into polite "would" requests
Workplace Scenarios
1. Deadline Extension: Asking your manager
"Would it be possible to extend the deadline?"
"I would appreciate an extra day if available"
2. Document Review: Requesting feedback
"Would you mind reviewing this report?"
"Would you have time to check this?"
3. Meeting Change: Proposing new time
"Would Thursday work better for you?"
"Would you consider moving to 2pm?"
4. Resource Access: Asking for permissions
"Would I be able to access the database?"
"Would you grant me editing rights?"
Polite Request Patterns
Polite Phrases
How would you handle these hypothetical situations?
Use "would" for conditional statements and strategic thinking
Business Scenarios
1. Budget Increase: 20% more funding
"We would invest in new technology"
"I would hire two more developers"
2. Market Expansion: Entering new countries
"We would need local partners"
"I would suggest starting small"
3. Product Failure: If launch didn't succeed
"We would analyze the reasons first"
"I would recommend pivoting"
4. Staff Shortage: Key employee leaves
"We would redistribute the workload"
"I would prioritize hiring"
Conditional Patterns
Strategic Phrases
Quiz
Which is the most polite way to ask for assistance?
You need help from a busy colleague.
How would you express a hypothetical situation?
Discussing potential outcomes with your team.
Which phrase shows a polite preference?
Choosing between meeting times with a client.
Complete this conditional: "If you _____ me your notes, I would return them tomorrow."
Asking to borrow materials from a classmate.
Which is the most diplomatic way to suggest an alternative?
In a meeting when disagreeing with a proposal.
Mastery Achieved: You can now use "would" effectively for polite requests, hypothetical situations, and diplomatic suggestions. Review any incorrect answers and practice the role-play scenarios to reinforce these skills!