would do whatever it took vs would do whatever it takes

Both phrases are correct, but they are different due to their verb tense. 'Would do whatever it took' is past tense and is used to talk about a hypothetical situation in the past. 'Would do whatever it takes' is present tense and is used to talk about a hypothetical situation in the present or future.

Explained by Vince
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: April 01, 2025 • 5084 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to talk about a hypothetical situation in the past.

"would do whatever it took"

This phrase is used to express a willingness to do anything necessary to achieve a goal in a past hypothetical situation.

Examples:

He said he would do whatever it took to win the competition.
She would do whatever it took to make her dream come true.

Show examples from the web [+]

Apr 25, 2001 ... WASHINGTON (CNN) -- U.S. President George W. Bush on Tuesday said that the United States would do "whatever it took to help Taiwan ...
In the strongest and most specific promise of military support for Taiwan from a U.S. president, President Bush said the United States would do "whatever it took" ...
From a young age, Danica Patrick would do whatever it took to taste the thrill of victory. Here's her story in today's “1 of 1 Origins", from Marvel and presented by ...
1. Barry liked playing board games, but he hated losing. He hated losing so much that he would do whatever it took to win, even bending or breaking the rules.

Alternatives:

would have done whatever it took
would do anything necessary
would do everything required

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to talk about a hypothetical situation in the present or future.

"would do whatever it takes"

This phrase is used to express a willingness to do anything necessary to achieve a goal in a present or future hypothetical situation.

Examples:

If he really wants to succeed, he would do whatever it takes.
She would do whatever it takes to help her friend.

Show examples from the web [+]

they would do whatever it takes to prevent Hamas [...] from governing. silviacattori .net. silviacattori.net. Israel y Estados Unidos anunciaron en. [...] febrero que ...
Nov 23, 2015 ... ... and would do “whatever it takes” for a stable oil market, and that it would cooperate with OPEC and non-OPEC members for stable prices.
Nov 19, 2015 ... ... what will they do? Will they blackmail him? Will they kidnap and enslave him? They did say they would do “whatever it takes.” Log in to Reply.
3 days ago ... ... mandate, a message echoed by BOJ Governor Haruhiko Kuroda who said last week his bank would "do whatever it takes" to achieve its goal ...

Alternatives:

will do whatever it takes
would do anything necessary
would do everything required

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would do whatever it took vs would do whatever it takes

"would do whatever it took"

"would do whatever it takes"

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