I would dial 1 for long distance

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
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:blossom: In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful. :blossom:

Hi!

How to use a telephone

You can always get someone’s number by dialing directory assistance 411 if they’re in the
same area. Now, if they’re not in the same area, then you would dial 1,
the area code and then 5**-***.

For example, Mario is in his office in Ottawa right now. The area code for Ottawa is 613,
so l would dial 1 for long distance. The area code 613 and then the number 5**-****.

But since I already know his number, I’m going to call right now.
I would dial 1 for long distance, the area code 613, and then the number. ←
It’s ringing. Yes, I’d like to speak to Mario Romano, please.

What does “would” mean in these 3 sentences?

1- then you would dial 1, the area code and then 5**-****.
2- so l would dial 1 for long distance.
3- I would dial 1 for long distance, the area code 613, and then the number. ←

Thank you

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And would dial 66 for mental care…if you know what I mean?

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In all three cases it refers to what you will do, or what steps to take.

They are all conditions. So it is the steps to take under those conditions.

The first case used the word ‘if’ for the condition. In the second and third cases the word ‘if’ is not used, but it is still a condition that is met.

If the second case the condition is the area code of 613. It could be re-worded as:

If the area code is 613, the steps you will take are to dial 1…

The third case is the same as the second. It simply states that they already know the area code.

By the way, the word ‘would’ can be omitted.

Any of the three below might be used by native speakers. They all have the same meaning.

Then you would dial 1
Then you dial 1
Then dial 1

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You might also see or hear this as a contraction.

then you’d dial 1
I’d dial 1

It can be a contraction with many pronouns.

I’d
We’d
He’d
She’d
It’d (this one is a little weird but you do hear it sometimes)
They’d
We’d

In written English it would not normally be a contraction with proper nouns.

Mario’d dial 1
Jane’d dial 1

But when spoken it might be contracted or said very quickly almost like a contraction.

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Thank you so much, NearlyNapping :rose:
Very nice.

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NearlyNapping, darling, it’s been a long time. I was just wondering if you still don’t believe in long distance relationships. But, losing your wife was quite a heartache for you, wasn’t it? I feel for you, really I do. I know you must be grief-stricken. I believe she was an alcoholic, right?

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Hello, you compassionate, merciful godess,

Don’t you mourn this man’s terrible loss?

I see that you don’t, because you always thank him with a red rose.