Would
From Creolista!
Would is a modal verb. As such, it is invariable, there is no other form of would. Historically it is the past tense of will and acts as such in reported speech.
- 3:00pm: boss meeting
Barbara: Could you tell Liz that I won't be here for the dinner tonight, my flight is leaving at 8. Melissa: Sure, I am seeing her this afternoon.
- 4:00pm: Melissa runs into Liz at the coffee machine
Melissa: Hi Liz... hey before I forget... Barbara asked me to tell you the she wouldn't be here for the dinner tonight because her flight was leaving at 8. Liz: Wow, you can still get flights out of New York? I hope she makes it back safely.