Using "will" for persistent habit.

As McTag noted and M56 also pointed out, 'would' rather than 'will' simply shows greater politeness/more deference. Historical past tense modal verbs are used in more polite collocations.

Dear friends,

It is a most interesting discussion. I have noted this use of «will» among British people.

It is my opinion that we may not substitute «would» in the example that M56 provides. «If you will only listen to me» is a reproach. It is a suggestion that you listen to me as habit and must blame yourself for the consequences. It may also precede a question. That is, we may say:- «if you will only listen to me, what do you expect?». The stress is upon «will». The «will» means «insistence». We may say however:- «You would only listen to me. What did you expect?». The stress is upon «would». It is again a reproach.

It is further my opinion that we may say «If you will only listen to me» and «If you would only listen to me» as a protest. It is a suggestion that you do not listen to me. The stress is upon «listen». The «will» means «willingness».

I have edited my comments since I posted them first. I detected an error. Perhaps they are now confusing. I am sorry.

Kindest regards,

Goldmund

"Will" is not usually used in the subordinate clauses in conditonal sentences using if, suppose, imagine, etc.

It is used when politely making requests, which are not in the conditional. "If you would please give me a hand."

Andy

Dear Andy CWS,

That is a most interesting observation.

I have heard «If you will» used among British people as a polite request. Here is an example. I have heard it in hotels.

«If you'll just sign here, I'll get your keys.»

Kind regards,

Goldmund

If not old fashioned, perhaps somewhat formal, if you will.

Yes that's right. And it implies a certain volition.

It is tidier than saying

"If you would like to sign here....", or
"If you would be so good as to sign here...."

McT

(Wot, no peeves today?)

Sorry,

Actually, I meant to say "will" instead of "would" in polite requests. Otherwise, I contradicted myself.

Thanks,

Andy