would be willing

USAGE SUMMARY

"would be willing" is correct and can be used in written English.
Example sentence: I asked my professor if he would be willing to provide extra help before the exam.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some UN officials would be willing to oblige.

The Economist

I know that she would be willing to wait.

The New York Times

If it did, it would be willing to pay them.

The New York Times

We would be willing to pay higher taxes for this.

The New York Times

That chance, the Yankees would be willing to take.

The New York Times - Sports

How many would be willing to, if they could?

The Economist

The Giants apparently would be willing to discuss it.

The New York Times - Sports

It is unclear who would be willing to replace Annan.

The Washington Post

She would be willing to testify to an inquiry.

The Guardian

Lawmakers have said they would be willing to do so.

The New York Times

Few countries would be willing to offer him sanctuary.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "would be willing", ensure the context clearly indicates the condition or action someone is ready to undertake. For instance, "They would be willing to invest if the returns are guaranteed."

Common error

Avoid using "would be willing" in situations that require a different tense or conditional. For example, instead of "He would be willing yesterday", use "He was willing yesterday".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "would be willing" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing conditional readiness or inclination. This construction suggests a hypothetical willingness to undertake an action, often dependent on certain conditions being met. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Unknown

10%

News & Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "would be willing" is a versatile expression used to convey conditional readiness or inclination. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and finds frequent application across diverse contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific research and academic discussions. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communications. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines the conditions under which the willingness applies and avoid incorrect tense usage to maintain clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

would be prepared

Focuses on the readiness and anticipation of a future event or action.

would be ready

Emphasizes the state of being completely ready and available.

would be inclined

Implies a tendency or leaning towards a particular action or feeling.

would be happy

Conveys a sense of pleasure or contentment in doing something.

would be disposed

Suggests a readiness or willingness influenced by one's nature or circumstances.

would agree

Focuses on reaching a mutual understanding or accord.

would consent

Highlights the act of giving permission or agreement.

would accept

Emphasizes the act of taking or receiving something offered.

would be game

Suggests enthusiasm and eagerness to participate.

wouldn't mind

Indicates a lack of objection or reluctance.

FAQs

How can I use "would be willing" in a sentence?

Use "would be willing" to express someone's readiness or inclination to do something, often under certain conditions. For example, "She would be willing to help if she had the time."

What are some alternatives to "would be willing"?

You can use alternatives like "would be inclined", "would be prepared", or "would be ready" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "will be willing" instead of "would be willing"?

While "will be willing" is grammatically correct, it implies a future willingness, whereas "would be willing" often expresses a conditional or hypothetical willingness. The best choice depends on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "would be willing" and "would be happy"?

"Would be willing" suggests a readiness to do something, possibly without great enthusiasm, while "would be happy" conveys a sense of pleasure or satisfaction in doing it. The former emphasizes compliance, the latter enjoyment.