A passage from a Novel

Question

Hi, I am reading a passage. A is talking to B about C, whom he doesn't like. And he doesn't want to treat C special.

" Yes, he's making money. That's not the standard, it seems to me, one gauges a man's value to the sociaty. As for his oils(gasline), he'd come crawling to us, he's wait his turn along with all other shippers, and he wouldn't demand more than his fair share of transportation."

Why would used here?

thanks,

Ench

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

He would if he needed or wanted to. Would is conditional.

Enchanted · Answer

Thanks, Mister MIC.
Why the word will isn't used? when you say conditinal, does it exclude using "will"?

Mister Micawber · Answer

'Will' is excluded because the speaker does not know whether he will or not.  'Would' is Conditional II, present or future possibility.

Enchanted · Answer

So here, it is nothing to do with politeness, right?
thanks again.
ench

Mister Micawber · Answer

From what you have given us, I see no politeness involved.

Enchanted · Answer

Thanks, Mica:
I just figured a foundamental thing in english grammer.
thanks to your help.
ench.

Anonymous · Answer

would is used for the second and third person

ex: you would , he would

should the past tense of SHALL is used in the the first person

ex: i should. we should

though both are acceptable in using for the second and third person (should or would)

would cannot be mistakenly acceptable in replacement for should as the first person.

A passage from a Novel

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