Well, the word "would" isn't usually used on its own without a verb following it or a verb that is implied/mentioned in a previous sentence. It's an auxiliary verb. But "would" is used before a verb when you are talking about an action that you have not completed, but WOULD complete if the conditions allowed. It is called the "conditional" tense for this reason.
Examples:
I would go outside if it weren't raining.
She would go to the park if her mother were home.
We would be able to see the stars if there weren't as many street lights.
Who would buy us ice cream if we had money? I would!!
In each sentence above, no one is completing any type of action because the conditions do not allow for each action to take place. They are hypothetical situations. That is when "would" is used.
I hope I cleared things up for you!! :)