Using modal verbs to indicate willingness page 2 of 5

Degrees of willingness

Note that different modals are typically used to indicate varying degrees of
willingness (high, mid and low). The degree of willingness is a reflection of the
speaker's level of commitment to the course of action.

At the highest level, due to their strong willingness the speaker or person referred to is
totally committed to the course of action, eg I will ... This can be glossed as: determination.

The mid level is mid willingness and at this level the speaker or person referred to is partly,
but not completely committed to the course of action, eg I may ... This can be glossed
as: intention.

The bottom level is low willingness, and at this level the speaker or person referred to is
willing to follow the course of action, but may have some reason for not particularly
wanting to, eg I would, but ...This level can be glossed as acceptance.

Note that the modal will can be used to indicate all three levels: determination,
intention and acceptance. The level of willingness depends on the context, the stress
which the word is given, and the addition of adverbs of likelihood.

For example, consider a situation where a father has told his daughter that she should
not waste her time going to university. If she is really determined to go in spite of all
opposition, she might say something like:

I will go - and you can't stop me!

Contrast this with the way will is typically used to indicate intention. If a speaker is
merely stating what she expects to happen in the future, she might say something like
the following, but withoutemphasising the will:

After university, I will find a job.

If the speaker wants to convey that they are willing to follow the course of action, but
not necessarily enthusiastic about doing so, they might still use will, but the context
would indicate that the level of willingness is low:

Alright then if I have to, I'll do it.

In some cases, the presence of a modal adverb such as maybe would indicate that the
speaker grudgingly accepts the future course of action:
But maybe I will now. (Bank of English)

Present
Will can express willingness in the present:

I will take you to the airport. I have nothing to do tomorrow.

If you will wait for a moment, I'll see if Mr Hawking is available.

Won't can express unwillingness or refusal:

My bank won't allow me to make international transactions.

Greg just won't answer the phone.
The door won't open.

Past
Wouldn't can express unwillingness or refusal in the past:

I took the phone back to the shop, but they wouldn't give me a replacement.
Try as I might, the door wouldn't open