How to use the word could and would in a sentence

We make use of the word ‘could’ to express ability or past possibility, whereas ‘would’ can be used to show willingness or when we imagine a situation.

Comparison Chart.

Basis for Comparison Could Would
Examples Maybe she could meet Piya when she go to Amsterdam. I would meet you, but I was little busy.


29 oct. 2019

Also What are conditional and define it with examples?

The definition of a conditional is a grammar term that means a sentence structure that expresses a particular situation or circumstance and its consequences. An example of a conditional is a sentence telling someone that you will be mad at them if they are late.

Subsequently, Where we use could and would? Could is used to say that an action or event is possible. Would is used to talk about a possible or imagined situation, and is often used when that possible situation is not going to happen.

What is the difference between could and would? Could expresses possibility, while would expresses certainty and intent. A good way to remember the differences between these two words is simply to bring each word back to its root verb. Could is the past tense of can. Would is the past tense of will.

Related Contents

  • 1 Could in a sentence example?
  • 2 What do you mean by conditional mean?
  • 3 What are the two types of conditional and explain each?
  • 4 What are conditionals in English grammar?
  • 5 Would and could in a sentence?
  • 6 Where we use would?
  • 7 Could or would you please?
  • 8 Could you please vs Would you please?
  • 9 When we can use would?
  • 10 Could VS would in questions?
  • 11 When to use the word could in a sentence?
  • 12 Could or can in a sentence?
  • 13 When Could is used?
  • 14 What means conditional statement?
  • 15 What is conditional mean and variance?
  • 16 What are the two types of conditionals?
  • 17 What are the two types of conditional clauses?
  • 18 What is a Type 2 conditional?
  • 19 What are the 3 types of conditional?
  • 20 What are the types of conditional statements?
  • 21 What are conditional statements?

Could in a sentence example?

Could sentence example. I had let so much gas out of my balloon that I could not rise again, and in a few minutes the earth closed over my head. The doctor thought I could not live. I could not help it.

What do you mean by conditional mean?

1 : subject to, implying, or dependent upon a condition a conditional promise. 2 : expressing, containing, or implying a supposition the conditional clause if he speaks. 3a : true only for certain values of the variables or symbols involved conditional equations.

What are the two types of conditional and explain each?

5 Types of Conditional Sentences

Conditional sentence type When to use
Type 1 A possible situation and the result
Type 2 A hypothetical condition and its possible result
Type 3 An impossible past situation and its result in the past
Mixed Conditionals An impossible past situation and its result in the present


26 août 2021

What are conditionals in English grammar?

What are conditionals in English grammar? Sometimes we call them ‘if clauses’. They describe the result of something that might happen (in the present or future) or might have happened but didn’t (in the past) . They are made using different English verb tenses.

Would and could in a sentence?

“Would” to Show Certainty

While “could” shows ability or possibility, “would” shows certainty in a past or hypothetical situation. If you think about “would” being the past tense of “will,” then it completely makes sense. For example: When I was younger, I would ride my bike home in 10 minutes.

Where we use would?

We use would as the past of will, to describe past beliefs about the future: I thought we would be late, so we would have to take the train.

Could or would you please?

But I would suppose that “would” is more polite, because it expresses the idea of probability, and of willingness, and of the desire that something be done, whereas “could” is more in the realm of ability (yes I can). And according to the American Heritage Dictionary, “would” is used to make a polite request.

Could you please vs Would you please?

But I would suppose that “would” is more polite, because it expresses the idea of probability, and of willingness, and of the desire that something be done, whereas “could” is more in the realm of ability (yes I can). And according to the American Heritage Dictionary, “would” is used to make a polite request.

When we can use would?


‘will’ and ‘would’

  1. We use will:
  2. would is the past tense form of will. …
  3. We use will to express beliefs about the present or future:
  4. We use would as the past of will, to describe past beliefs about the future:
  5. We use would as the past tense of will:
  6. We use I will or We will to make promises and offers:

Could VS would in questions?

When making general polite suggestions or asking a question, both could and can are possible (“Excuse me, can/could you tell me what time it is?”). … Would can also be used to ask polite questions (“Would you mind if I had another cup of tea?”), or to wish for something (“I wish she would write a book.”).

When to use the word could in a sentence?

In the sentence “We could have as many as ten people come to dinner tonight,” could is used to say that it is possible that ten people will come to the speaker’s home for dinner (“I think that it is possible we will have as many as ten people for dinner tonight.”).

Could or can in a sentence?

The modal verbs can and could represent the ability of a person or thing in doing something. However, there is a difference in their usage, as ‘can‘ is used in present situation, whereas we can use ‘could’ for talking about a past ability. Both are followed by a base form of the verb.

When Could is used?

“Could” is a modal verb used to express possibility or past ability as well as to make suggestions and requests. “Could” is also commonly used in conditional sentences as the conditional form of “can.” Examples: Extreme rain could cause the river to flood the city.

What means conditional statement?

Definition. A conditional statement is a statement that can be written in the form “If P then Q,” where P and Q are sentences. For this conditional statement, P is called the hypothesis and Q is called the conclusion. Intuitively, “If P then Q” means that Q must be true whenever P is true.

What is conditional mean and variance?

In probability theory and statistics, a conditional variance is the variance of a random variable given the value(s) of one or more other variables. Particularly in econometrics, the conditional variance is also known as the scedastic function or skedastic function.

What are the two types of conditionals?

Conditional

Conditional sentence type Usage If clause verb tense
Zero General truths Simple present
Type 1 A possible condition and its probable result Simple present
Type 2 A hypothetical condition and its probable result Simple past
Type 3 An unreal past condition and its probable result in the past Past perfect

What are the two types of conditional clauses?

The 4 Types of Conditionals. Conditional sentences have two clauses: a condition (if…) and a result. The verb tenses used in each clause depends on whether the speaker thinks the result is probable (real) or only exists in the imagination (unreal).

What is a Type 2 conditional?

The type 2 conditional refers to an unlikely or hypothetical condition and its probable result. … In type 2 conditional sentences, the time is now or any time and the situation is hypothetical.

What are the 3 types of conditional?

Conditional

Conditional sentence type Usage If clause verb tense
Zero General truths Simple present
Type 1 A possible condition and its probable result Simple present
Type 2 A hypothetical condition and its probable result Simple past
Type 3 An unreal past condition and its probable result in the past Past perfect

What are the types of conditional statements?


Conditional Statements : if, else, switch

  • If statement.
  • If-Else statement.
  • Nested If-else statement.
  • If-Else If ladder.
  • Switch statement.

What are conditional statements?

Conditional Statements

Use if to specify a block of code to be executed, if a specified condition is true. Use else to specify a block of code to be executed, if the same condition is false. Use else if to specify a new condition to test, if the first condition is false.

English is full of verbs that seem interchangeable or at least only trivially different, but skilled writers know when and how to use them for maximum clarity.

Could and would are two such verbs. They both have many uses, which makes them confusing for many beginning writers and English language learners.

Although they seem similar, there are definite situations when one word is more appropriate than the other. Verb choice is a crucial part of careful writing, so read on to find out the differences between these two confusing verbs.

What is the Difference Between Could and Would?

In this article, I will compare could vs. would, and I will use both words in several example sentences. This way, you will be able to see them in their proper context.

Additionally, I will show you a memory tool that can help you choose would or could correctly every time.

When to Use Could

Definition of would definition and definition of could definitionWhat does could mean? Could is a verb with many senses.

Could is the past tense of can, a verb used to denote ability. In this sense, could refers to some ability that someone had in the past.

For example,

  • In high school, I could dunk a basketball.
  • In my prime, I could bench press 250 pounds.

In both of these examples, could is being used to express an ability that the speaker had in the past.

In other instances, could is a modal verb used to denote possibility. It is also used for some conditional present and future tenses of can.

For example,

  • You could have gone to the park with your friends if you had finished your homework on time.
  • Over the next three days, temperatures could reach the low 20s in Washington, posing one last crucial test for the buds. –The Washington Post

In both of these examples, could is expressing possibility: things that could have been true or things that could yet come true.

For more on condition sentences, see here.

When to Use Would

Define would and define could What does would mean? Would is also a verb with many senses.

Would is the past tense of will, which denotes both ability and certainty.

  • In high school, I would do my homework on the bus.
  • While I was working, I would go out to eat more frequently.

In these examples, the speaker is using would to express a past action, which is helpful when comparing would vs. could.

Let’s take the first of these two examples,

  • In high school, I could do my homework on the bus.
  • In high school, I would do my homework on the bus.

As you can see, could is simply making a statement of ability. When I was in high school, I could do my homework on the bus. I had the ability to do my homework on the bus, but this doesn’t mean that I did. I simply had the ability to do so.

Conversely, would is making a definite claim. Doing my homework on the bus was something that I did do, not just something that I had the ability to do.

Would is also a modal verb used to denote possibility, and it often refers to something that is conditional but definite within those conditions.

Here are some examples,

  • If I were to take a vacation, it would be somewhere warm and tropical.
  • I would buy a big house if I had a million dollars.
  • A mega-luxury deal that would merge Neiman Marcus with the company that owns Saks Fifth Avenue is in the works, sources told The Post. –New York Post

Again, these examples make definite claims. Let’s again look at the first example,

  • If I were to take a vacation, it could be somewhere warm and tropical.
  • If I were to take a vacation, it would be somewhere warm and tropical.

As you can see, could is making a simple claim of ability. If I were to take a vacation, it could be somewhere tropical, but it also could be somewhere cold—perhaps Colorado to go skiing.

But, when we use would, there is no question where the vacation will be. It will be somewhere tropical.

Trick to Remember the Difference

could versus would Could and would are related, but they mean different things. Could expresses possibility, while would expresses certainty and intent.

A good way to remember the differences between these two words is simply to bring each word back to its root verb.

  • Could is the past tense of can.
  • Would is the past tense of will.

If you are looking to make a statement of ability, think to yourself, “I can do that.”

If you are looking to make a statement of certainty or intent, think to yourself, “I will do that.”

This won’t always get you to the right answer, but it should work most of the time.

Summary

Is it could or would? Both could and would are verbs that have many senses.

  • Could is a conditional verb that expresses possibility.
  • Would is a conditional verb that expresses certainty, intent, or both.

Could is also the past tense of can. Would is the past tense of will. Both of these words start with the same letter as their root verb, which makes them easy to remember.

Contents

  • 1 What is the Difference Between Could and Would?
  • 2 When to Use Could
  • 3 When to Use Would
  • 4 Trick to Remember the Difference
  • 5 Summary

could vs wouldThe words could and would are modal auxiliary verbs, wherein both are the past tense form of the verbs can and will respectively. We make use of the word ‘could‘ to express ability or past possibility, whereas ‘would‘ can be used to show willingness or when we imagine a situation.

In the case of polite expressions, i.e. while making offers, requests, invitation, suggestion or permission, we often get confused, which one to use. So, let’s have a look at the examples given below to understand these two in detail:

  • Rahul said ‘he could sing bhajans when he was a kid, but now he would play them on mobile.”
  • Would you please be quiet so that I could sleep for an hour?

In the first sentence, could denotes ability, while in the second one it indicates the possibility. On the other hand, would talk about the future, but the outlook is past, in the first case. In the second situation, would is used to make a request.

Content: Could Vs Would

  1. Comparison Chart
  2. Definition
  3. Key Differences
  4. Examples
  5. How to remember the difference

Comparison Chart

Basis for Comparison Could Would
Meaning Could is mainly used to discuss possible actions or happenings, in the present or in future. Would is used in sentences when we talk about situation which we only imagine or of things that happen frequently in the past.
Situation Possible situation Imaginary situation
Usage It is used in making suggestion, request or seeking permission. It is used in making request offer and seeking permission.
Examples I could have gone to the parlour. I would like to go America.
She could walk 50 miles in a day, when she was young. Would you mind if I take your novel?
Maybe she could meet Piya when she go to Amsterdam. I would meet you, but I was little busy.

Definition of Could

‘Could’ is used to express past possibility, i.e. something that is possible in the past situation. It can also be used in giving suggestions to someone or making polite requests. Now let’s take a look at its usage:

  1. To indicate something which you are able or permitted to do:
    • In my childhood, I could play basketball.
    • You said we could go for lunch when I complete the assignment.
  2. To make requests, i.e. asking someone to do something:
    • Could you stay there for an hour, I am just on the way?
    • Could you tell me the exact address, please?
    • Could you please close the door?
  3. To ask for permission:
    • Could I have the bowl, please?
    • Could I take your notebook?
  4. To show the possibility:
    • You could have joined us.
  5. To give a suggestion:
    • We could go by train instead of the bus.

Definition of Would

The word ‘would’ is used to talk about a future time, from the past viewpoint. It refers to something, which is just an imagination, i.e. a situation which is not real or unlikely to happen. It also indicates the willingness or inclination towards something. Let us now discuss its usage:

  1. To state things that may happen in future, from the past standpoint:
    • Prateeksha said she would go for a meeting on Monday.
    • I was a bit excited to know what would be the result of the game show.
  2. For making requests, i.e. asking someone to do something:
    • Would you please give me some time to think over it?
  3. To express intention, from the past standpoint:
    • You said you would always help me.
    • She promised, she would not let me go.
  4. To ask for permission:
    • Would you mind if I go and meet my friends tonight?
    • Would it be Okay, if I am out of town for three days?
  5. To make an offer or invitation:
    • Would you like to come over our place tonight?
    • I would like to have oranges.
  6. To represent the possibility:
    • She would not like to go to the party.
    • I think Raman would come this week.
  7. In conditional sentences:
    • What would you do if you became a celebrity overnight?

The difference between could and would are presented in the points given below:

  1. Could is the past tense form of the verb ‘can’ which indicates a past ability of someone or possibility of an action or happening. On the other hand, would is the past of ‘will’ which indicates the intent or willingness of a person, in future, but from the past situation. It is also used when we are talking about an imaginary situation.
  2. Could is used when the situation is possible in the past. On the other hand, would is used when the situation is unreal or unlikely to happen.
  3. When it comes to polite expressions like requests, permission, we can use both could and would. However, when we are making a suggestion, we explicitly make use of the word could, and if we are making an offer or invitation we use would.

Examples

Could

  • I could go to the party.
  • She is so upset that she could travel for a week.
  • Right now the circumstances are favourable, but it could be out of our control.

Would

  • It would be great to travel the world, but I have no money.
  • I would call the Police if I had my cell phone.
  • When she was not in a mood to talk, she would go to the lake, to be alone.

How to remember the difference

When it comes to requests, we can use both could and would, but could is more formal and polite than would. While making polite requests, could is used with suggestions, as it indicates a possibility. On the contrary, would is used with offers or invites, because it is more usual.

How to Use Would, Could, and Should: Modal Verbs

Would, Could, and Should are termed as auxiliary verbs or modal verbs and are part of our day life conversation. Like all other modal auxiliaries, would, could, and should usually don’t change their form. Keep in your mind that would is used to talk about something that will happen in an imagined situation. We use could to talk about something that can happen, and we use should to talk about something that must happen or ought to happen

Here you will learn the use of individual modal verbs would, could, and should and how their function is different from one another.

When to Use Would?

Would is past form of will and it is used as a modal verbs. It has various use according to situation in a sentence. Below are the various use of would.

Would is generally used in situations that can be imaginary or when the possibility of something happening is low.

“Sarah would visit us this month.”

Here would is acting as an auxiliary verb expressing a scenario that might occur.

We use modal verb would to make a polite request as in a sentence below.

“I would like to listen pop music.”

We use it also to make a question in a polite tone as in a sentence below.

“Would you like some mangoes?”

We use modal verb would for a possibility of an occasion or event that may happen in the past. Look at sentence below to understand it well.

“Lucas would have missed the train if she had not waked up early that day.”

Sometime we use this modal verb to express a habitual past action. Look at example given below.

“John would play cricket whenever his father would leave home.”

Would is also commonly used to show preference between two or more things.

“I am not much hungry so I would like tea rather than meal.”

People use it commonly to express their wishes and desires as in a sentence below.

“We wish that it would work.”

Would is also used to show someone’s intentions or plans. Look at example below.

“He said he would play hockey.”

Sometime the modal auxiliary would shows a doubt in a sentence as in a sentence below.

“The cake would seem to be hot.”

When to Use Could?

Could is past form of can but it acts as an auxiliary verb in some cases. Could is used to express the possibility of an action or event (something that can happen). Look at example to understand it better. 

“Sarah could visit us this month.”

Here could is an auxiliary verb that expresses the probability of the situation happening. Here the possibility is “could visit”.  Its mean that Sarah might pay a visit or she was able to visit but she did not visit.

Could is also used to make a polite request or to ask for permission in a polite way. Just look at examples below.

“Could you please pass the book?”

“Could you tune the radio at 100?”

Here in above sentence could is showing a polite request to pass the book. We use it also to make a question. Look at sentence below.

“Could you have mopped the floor?”

“Could I leave now?”

In above first example there is a question in a polite was that also show possibility of doing that action also and in second example there is a polite way for asking to leave.

When to Use Should?

Should is a past form of shall and acts as a modal verb/modal auxiliary. There are few uses of word should compared to the word would.

“Should” expresses normally a strong voice, describing something that must be happen. Look at the example below to understand it well.

“Sarah should visit us this month.”

The modal verb should is also used to ask a question but not with politeness like would. It means that asked action was either ought to be done or was ordered. Look at the example below.

“Should you have mopped the floor?”

We use should to express something that is probable as in a sentence below.

“Ali should be here by 11:00 AM.”

“She should be singing a song at concert.”


Asked by: Mr. Nico Stark Jr.

Score: 4.6/5
(1 votes)

In simple English, could and would are in different phrases. They are not used together «one after another» in any phrase. A comma helps: «but the ones who could, would buy airplane tickets.»

Can we use could and would together?

“Would” and “could” can also be used together to show certainty and possibility like: I would go on vacation if I could get the time off. In other words, «I will definitely go on vacation if it is possible to get the time off.»

When use could and would?

Could is used to say that an action or event is possible. Would is used to talk about a possible or imagined situation, and is often used when that possible situation is not going to happen.

Could and would in a single sentence?

There’s no rule against using «could» and «would» in the same sentence, and all of your examples are grammatically correct.

Would you or could you?

‘Could You’ is considered to be an informal way of asking something, contrary, ‘Would You’ is a formal way of requesting someone to do something.

19 related questions found

Is could you please rude?

-> They both are impolite. They both sound like a command/order.

Could would in the same sentence?

English (American). I would rather feel cold because I could cover myself wearing lots of warm winter clothing. «I would NOT feel cold because I could cover myself.» I think it’s less common to have would and can in the same sentence.

Should and would be in the same sentence?

Use «should» to say that something is the right thing to do; use «would» to talk about a situation that is possible or imagined. So, add another modal, such as «could,» to the sentence to see if it still makes sense. For example, you could say: Joe «should» call his mom this week.

Should and shouldn’t sentences?

I have an English test tomorrow. I shouldn’t worry if I were you. I never have enough money. I don’t think you should go out so much.

Would in grammar use?

Using would as as a kind of past tense of will or going to is common in reported speech: She said that she would buy some eggs. («I will buy some eggs.») The candidate said that he wouldn’t increase taxes.

Could vs Can grammar?

‘Can’ is a modal verb, which is used with the main verb to express the ability of a person or thing in doing something. On the other extreme, ‘could’ is the past participle or second form of the verb, which is used with the main verb to talk about a past the ability of an individual in doing something.

Can you or will you?

May implies that you are asking for permission. Can implies that you are questioning somebody’s ability. Will implies that you are seeking an answer about the future.

Can or could you please?

1 Answer. If taken literally, «Can you» is equivalent to asking the person if they’re capable of doing something. «Could you», on the other hand, implies that the action can be completed under some circumstances by the person. The usage of can you is idiomatic, and hence, is more popular used phrase of the two.

Can we use two would in a sentence?

It definitely can be grammatically correct to use would twice in a sentence, but it isn’t common simply because it isn’t typically how people speak, or it would be superfluous.

Will and would sentences examples?

Firstly, the word would is the past tense form of the word will.

  • Jack said he would finish the work the next day.
  • Ann said she would write us soon.
  • He hoped she would come.

Where do we use could?

When could is used as the past tense of can, it refers to an ability that a person generally had in the past or to something that was generally possible in the past («When I was younger, I could run for miles,» or «It used to be you could buy lunch for a dollar.»).

Where should is used in sentence?

To show obligation, give recommendation or even an opinion

You should stop eating fast food.” “You should go for walks more often.” “We should go to the park tomorrow.” “He should go to the pharmacy first thing in the morning.”

Could it be more polite than can?

‘Can’ is used when there is nothing that would stop the thing from happening. When asking someone to do something, either word can be used, but ‘could’ is considered to be more polite.

Could you please vs Would you please?

But I would suppose that “would” is more polite, because it expresses the idea of probability, and of willingness, and of the desire that something be done, whereas “could” is more in the realm of ability (yes I can). And according to the American Heritage Dictionary, “would” is used to make a polite request.

Could meaning and examples?

The definition of could is often used in the place of «can» to show a little doubt. An example of could is someone asking if they can help someone. An example of could is saying that something is able to happen if someone does something. Used to indicate ability or permission in the past.

Can sentences examples in English?

Can sentence example

  • Can you watch the house for me while I’m gone? 1207. …
  • I can take care of myself. …
  • I can do it. …
  • You can spend it with a free conscience. …
  • Yes, can you believe the luck? …
  • I can handle it… now. …
  • But you can learn many things from books. …
  • You can know everything in the world and still make bad decisions.

Can you tell me or could you tell me?

2 Answers. “Could you” is more polite than “can you”. Regarding the rest of the wording, something about “tell me my next work” rings wrong to my ears. Probably, because you don’t “tell a work”.

‘Should’, ‘would’ and ‘could’ are auxiliary verbs that can sometimes get confusing. They are the past tense of ‘shall’, ‘will’ and ‘can’ but are also used in other situations.

‘Should’ can be used:

  1. To express something that is probable
    Examples:
    “John should be here by 2:00 PM.”
    “He should be bringing Jennifer with him.
  2.  To ask questions
    Examples:
    “Should we turn left at this street?”
    “Shouldn’t you be getting ready for work?”
  3. To show obligation, give recommendation or even an opinion
    Examples:
    “You should stop eating fast food.”
    “You should go for walks more often.”
    “We should go to the park tomorrow.”
    “He should go to the pharmacy first thing in the morning.”

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‘Would’ can be used:

  1. To ask ‘who’, ‘what’, ‘where’, ‘when’, ‘why’ or ‘how’ (not always, but often)
    Examples:
    “How would you do that?”
    “What would you do if…”
    “When would we have time to do that?”
    “Who would want to wait in that line?”
  2.  To make a polite request
    Examples:
    “Would you like any tea?”
    “Would you like anything else?”
  3.  In hypothetical situations
    Examples:
    “If I had a lot of money I would like to own a farm one day.”
    “I would love to buy a boat one day.”
  4. To ask questions
    Examples:
    “Would you like fries or salad?”
    “Would you like to join us tonight?”

‘Could’ can be used:

  1. To suggest a possibility
    Examples:
    “Whose journal is this? It could be Nelly’s journal.”
    “Could ‘A’ be the answer? It’s definitely not ‘B’ or ‘D.’”
  2.  To make a polite request
    Examples:
    “Could you please move this box?”
    “Could you please pass that paper?”
    Using the word ‘could’ to respond to the requests we made in the last example would suggest that you could do it, but you might not really want to. If you agree to the request, then you use the word ‘can’.
    Examples:
    “Could you please move this box?” “I could, but I am really busy right now.”
    “Could you please pass that paper.” “Sure, I can.”

There you go, a few ways to use ‘should’, ‘would’ and ‘could’. Yes, that’s right, just a few ways! There are more, but we can discuss those another time, or you could try to look up the other uses and try them out yourself or with the support of the online English course EF English Live. Join us for free!

Similar article: Accept or except? The top 10 confusing English words you need to know

Wil

Wil is a writer, teacher, learning technologist and keen language learner. He’s taught English in classrooms and online for nearly 10 years, trained teachers in using classroom and web technology, and written e-learning materials for several major websites. He speaks four languages and is currently looking for another one to start learning.

Image by Jennifer on Flickr.com.

Image by Jennifer on Flickr.com.

Let’s take a closer look at how to use two common English modals: ‘could’ and ‘would’. If you want a brief review of the use of modal verbs in English check out this previous post from this blog. Right now we are going to dive in to* the difference between ‘could’ and ‘would’ and when to use them.

Often ESL speakers misuse, or inappropriately interchange, the words ‘could’ and ‘would’. Part of the reason for this is that they can be used interchangeably some times, i.e. when making a polite request in the form of a question (Example: Could you help me? or Would you help me?). But ‘could’ and ‘would’ are used in other ways, which are not interchangeable. ‘Could’ and ‘would’ are both used to express conditionality, or the idea that something is not sure or definite, but they have slightly different connotations.  ‘Could’ is used to express possibility, while ‘would’ is used to express definiteness, as long as certain conditions are met.  Keep in mind, the root words for ‘would’ and ‘could’ are ‘will’ (expresses definiteness) and ‘can’ (expresses possibility), respectively.

Take a look at this list of the different uses of ‘could’ and ‘would’ and how they differ.

could

  • Used to express possibility – something may or may not happen (Example: It could rain any minute.)
  • Used to express what is supposed to happen (Example: Jane could be here as early as tomorrow.)
  • Used to express ability, but not desire. (Example: I could come over, but I don’t really feel like leaving the house right now.)
  • Used to make polite requests (Example: Could you help me with my bags?)

would

  • Used to express that something is definite, but conditional. That is, ‘would’ is used when something will happen, if certain conditions are met. (Example: It would be nice to see Beth, if she has time to visit.  The definite here is that seeing Beth is a nice thing, the condition here is that there has to be enough time.)
  • Used to express a desire to complete an action. (Example: I would like to finish my Masters by the time I am 30 years old.)
  • Used to express the idea of future-in-the-past, or what someone said in the past, about future actions. (Example: She said she would deliver the flower by 5pm.)
  • Used at times to express the idea of “used to” or past action. (Example: We would visit my Grandmother every Saturday when I was younger.)
  • Used to make a polite request. (Example: Would you help me for a few minutes?)

Note: In making a request, ‘would’ is slightly more polite than ‘could’, but this is really just a small distinctions. Questions that start with either ‘could’ or ‘would’ are both polite ways to make requests.

The super shorter summary of the difference between ‘could’ and ‘would’ is this:

could = possibility + ability
would = definiteness + desire

I could go on about these two modal verbs all day, but that would get boring after a while. So, I will stop here and you can ask me any other questions you have about ‘could’ and ‘would’ in the comment box below!

*to dive in to – this is an idiom that means ‘to start something’ and it generally implies enthusiasm

Helping verbs, also known as auxiliary verbs, are used to extend the main verb’s meaning in a sentence. These action words help in expressing the main verb’s tense and mood. However, if incorrectly used, it might undermine the purpose of having it in the sentence. Therefore, it is essential to know how helping verbs should be used appropriately in a text. Three of the most commonly used helping verbs are ‘would,’ ‘should,’ and ‘could.’ They sound almost the same and have the same tense, but those three modal auxiliaries don’t mean the same thing. In this article, we shall tackle how to use the said verbs.

How to Use Would

First of all, ‘would’ is a modal auxiliary verb and is the past tense form of ‘will.’ Like ‘will,’ you can use ‘would’ to express requests, willingness, offers, and conditionals. However, you only have to use ‘would’ instead of ‘will’ if you’re expressing situations about the past. It can also be employed in relaying a hypothetical situation. Additionally, the use of ‘would’ creates a politer tone. The negative form of ‘would’ is ‘would not,’ which can be shortened by using ‘wouldn’t.’

In making a polite request:

  1. I would like more of this drink, please.
  2. Would you please hand me those papers?
  3. Would you mind answering this survey?

In giving an offer/ask a question:

  1. Would you like some tea?
  2. Who would say something like that?
  3. Would you prefer walking instead?

In expressing willingness:

  1. She said she would help us with the project.
  2. I would love to go to your party.
  3. My mom would wake up early in the morning to cook breakfast for us.

In stating conditionals:

  1. If I were you, I wouldn’t say that.
  2. I would have taken that opportunity if I had the chance.
  3. If you were in my shoes, you’d have the same reaction.

How to Use Should

The verb ‘should,’ as the past tense of ‘shall,’ is generally used to give advice, talk about an expectation, or obligate someone. In its obligatory sense, it can be used as an alternative for ‘must.’ The negative form of ‘should’ is ‘should not’ or ‘shouldn’t.’ To further explain how ‘should’ is used, feel free to go over the examples below.

In giving advice:

  1. You should try to think outside the box.
  2. We should let the adults decide.
  3. Jenny should already get a new pair of eyeglasses.

In expressing an expectation:

  1. The teacher should be here soon.
  2. Let’s invite Jake. His class should be done by now.
  3. The band has so many fans. Their concert tickets should be sold out instantly.

In relaying an obligation:

  1. You should finish that by tomorrow.
  2. Motorcycle drivers should always wear their helmets.
  3. Citizens should follow the law.

How to Use Could

‘Could’ is employed to express a possibility or past ability, make a request, or suggest an idea. It can also be used as the conditional form of ‘can.’ It cannot be used to point out an obligation nor convey willingness. It just mainly signifies the possibility of the idea being expressed. The negative form of ‘could’ is ‘could not’ or ‘couldn’t.’

In conveying a possibility/past ability:

  1. Nothing could possibly go wrong if we just follow the instructions.
  2. Anna could be the one sending those letters to Tim.
  3. When I was younger, I could run around the oval without getting easily tired.

In making a request:

  1. Could you please turn the TV on?
  2. Could I borrow a pencil?
  3. I was wondering if I could ask you to have lunch with me.

In making a suggestion:

  1. You could add some vanilla to give your coffee a distinct aroma.
  2. She could’ve just told me about it.
  3. You could go to the library and see if the book is available.

These helping verbs are then followed by the main verb to complete the meaning. Or it can also be succeeded by another auxiliary verb that could also change the tense of the whole action word. Use the discussed verbs correctly and according to the purpose you want to convey. Never forget that ‘would,’ ‘should,’ and ‘could’ are past tense forms of the verbs ‘will,’ ‘shall,’ and ‘can,’ respectively. The choice between which tense to use should also be considered.

When to Use Would, Should, and Could | Image

When to Use Would, Should, and CouldPin

Last Updated on February 1, 2021

“Modals verbs” are a class of verbs used to express ideas like intention, likelihood, ability, or to give advice. You can call them helper verbs. They always appear with a main verb. English has nine of them:

  1. can
  2. could
  3. will
  4. would
  5. shall
  6. should
  7. may
  8. might
  9. must

You may also find modal verbs referred to as “auxiliary verbs”. Basically, this means “helper verb”. This is because they help the main verb by adding extra information about it to the sentence. The information it adds lets the listener know things like our intentions, the likelihood of an event, or if they are capable of or allowed to do something.

Check out the table below for more information:

Helper Verb Meaning
can ability to do something
“I can play the piano.”

permission to do something
“You can sit down now.”

asking permission
“Can I drink the juice?”

could ability to do something (past)
“I could run fast when I was young.”

permission to do something (past)
“You said I could eat the ice cream.”

potential to do something
“It could snow.”

will intention to do something
“I will sleep now.”

reported action (future) (informal)
“I will eat dessert after dinner.”

making a promise
“I will be there.”

explaining something as certain
“The paper will burn.”

would intention to do something (past)
“I would have eaten the apple.”

reported habitual action (past)
“I would always play baseball after lunch.”

shall asking permission (formal/polite)
“Shall I take your coat?”

reported action (future) (formal/polite)
“I shall eat dessert after dinner.”

should making suggestions
“You should say sorry.”

expressing intention
“I should go to bed now.”

may expressing intention
“I may go to bed now.”

giving permission
“You may leave now.”

making predictions
“She may compete in the Olympics this year.”

potential of an event
“It may rain.”

might expressing intention
“I might go to bed now.”

making suggestions or predictions
“You might want to eat some salad.”

must giving orders
“You must stop talking.”

expressing obligations
“I must pay my debts.”

Modal verbs always appear to the left of the main verb. They also appear in front of any other helper verbs or adverbs that also appear in the sentence.

  • The student should write her essay soon.
  • The student may have written her essay two hours ago.
  • The student will have already written her essay by now.

How not to use modal verbs.

There are quite a few restrictions modal verbs have for proper use. Let’s look at some examples of ways you cannot use modal verbs:

  • You can’t use them alone.
    • He may.

    • They can.

      Note: You can say sentences like the ones above but only if they come after a sentence that has already used a main verb. Then the verb is implied in the modal sentence. You can’t only say a sentence like the ones above alone.

  • You can’t add verb endings.
    • You shoulded.

    • I maying.

  • You can’t make them into commands.
  • You can’t make them negative.

You might think that modals can be made negative due to sentences such as:

However, this is only true if the main verb is already understood. If the main verb is unknown when you say this, it will be incorrect because the listener does not know what the person might not or shall not do.

The underlying structure of the sentence above is actually something like this:

You can never use a modal verb alone. There must be a main verb stated, either implicitly (known without being said) or explicitly (said directly).

Extra Modal Phrases

You caught me!

These aren’t all the possible modal verbs in English. There are also a few more interesting modal phrases you can use in English.

ought to

This phrase is used to make suggestions or to declare your intentions. It is very similar to the modal verb “should”. You most often hear this in spoken English; it is often said during informal situations.

The suggestions you make with this phrase are subtle. It isn’t a very strong way to give advice or make a suggestion. You should use this phrase when you want to be delicate about giving someone some advice.

It isn’t advisable to use this phrase in formal academic writing, but you can use it to spice up your informal spoken English.

Here are some example sentences using the phrase “ought to”:

  • You ought to stop eating so much cake.
  • I ought to eat more vegetables.
  • He ought not return without some money.
  • You think I ought to start writing now?

However, unlike “should”, this phrase cannot appear at the front of a question.

had better

This is another informal modal phrase. Like “ought to”, you will most often hear this phrase spoken in informal situations. This phrase is similar to the modal verb “should” as well. It is used to make a suggestion in a stronger way than “should” or “ought to”.

You should be careful about using this as you can easily sound rude if you use it in a wrong situation. In my mind, this is most often used by parents when talking to their children.

Again, I would advise you against using this phrase in academic writing.

Here are some example sentences:

  • You had better eat your vegetables.
  • You had better go to bed early tonight.
  • You had better wash your hands.
  • You had better smarten up.

have to

Like the previous two phrases, this phrase is also (mostly) informal. Most of these extra modal phrases will help you expand your vocabulary for spoken English in informal situations.

This phrase is similar to the modal verb “must”. You use this phrase when you are giving orders or expressing obligations.

You should avoid using this in academic writing. Instead, you should use “must”.

Here are some example sentences:

  • I have to go to bed.
  • I have to pet my dog.
  • I have to make dinner.
  • I have to go to work.

got to

You have probably seen this phrase before. Most often, you see this written or said in its contracted form as “gotta”. This means the exact same thing as “have to”, but it is more informal.

Needless to say, this is an informal usage of English. You should not write this academically.

Here are some example sentences:

  • I got to (gotta) go to bed.
  • I got to (gotta) pet my dog.
  • I got to (gotta) make dinner.
  • I got to (gotta) go to work.

Dare

This isn’t commonly used anymore in casual English. You may sound strange or archaic if you say this while speaking. However, it isn’t rare to see it written in stories or hear it said in movies and TV shows.

“Dare” isn’t exactly the same as any single modal verb or phrase we have looked at previously. The meaning of it depends on how it is being used. For example, it can be similar to the modal verbs “will” or “shall” in the following sentences:

  • I dare to dream.
  • I dare not say.
  • Dare I even look?

However, the feelings of the sentences above aren’t exactly the same as if you used the words “will” or “shall”.

“Dare” gives the sentence the feelings of a conflicting desire. It’s usually used in situations where the speaker wants to do something but knows they shouldn’t.

It also makes the sentences sound a bit poetic. This isn’t really appropriate to write for academic texts and you likely want to avoid saying things like this to your friends or co-workers unless you’re making a joke.

Conclusion

That was everything you need to know about using modal verbs in English!

We even got to look at a few common modal phrases you can use to spice up your conversations, great deal huh?

I hope you learned something useful by reading this article. If you want to learn more about English grammar, check out my other articles on the topic.

Did you know I’m available for personalized 1 on 1 English conversation coaching? It’s true! You can read about it here.

Until next time, happy studying!

David Recine

Conditional statements are statements are sentences that express cause and effect. Kate has written a very good overview of conditional statements for this blog. As Kate says, there are four types of conditionals: the zero, first, second, and third conditionals (click here for a special grammar lesson on the third conditional). I’ll give you a brief review of these four conditionals. Then we’ll look at three modal verbs that are common in conditional statements: “could,” “should,” and “would.”

The four conditionals deal with four different kinds of cause and effect. The zero conditional deals with real cause and effect, things that really do happen. (“When the temperature drops below 0 Centigrade, water freezes.”) The first conditional deals with predictions of future cause and effect. (“If it’s sunny tomorrow, we’ll go to the beach.”) Second conditional statements mention causes and effects that are possible in theory, but are unlikely. (“If I magically grew wings, I would be able to fly.” Since it is in theory possible that magic exists, this is possible. Just not very likely at all.) The third conditional deals with causes and effects that were possible in the past, but did not actually happen. (“If Christopher Columbus had not sailed to America, someone else eventually would have.”)

Now, let’s look at the way “could,” “should,” and “would” are used in conditionals:

Could: “Could” is used to express possibility. Something that could happen is not necessarily something that must happen. Could does not express desire or opinion. It is simply used to state one or more things that are possible (even if they are unlikely) or were possible in the past (even if they didn’t happen).

First conditional example: If it rains enough tomorrow, it could flood; we should be prepared in case that happens.

Second conditional example: If I had lunch with my favorite actress, I could ask for her autograph, or I could ask her to make a movie with me.

Practice for your TOEFL exam with Magoosh.

Third conditional example: If I had known you were going to the football game yesterday, I could have gone with you, because I had the day off from work.

Should: “Should” is used to express an opinion on the best course of action. When describing cause and effect, it is also used to suggest that one cause is very likely to happen in the future, or was very likely to happen in the past.

First conditional example: If it continues to rain this hard for another hour, it should start flooding. Start preparing for the flood right now.

Third conditional examples (suggestion; event that was likely in the past): If you were going to the football game yesterday, you should have invited me to go with you. You should have known I had the day off, because I emailed you to tell you I was free.

Would: “Would” is used to describe something that is unlikely or impossible, but definitely will happen if circumstances change in a specific way. In addition, it can describe a past event that didn’t happen, but only because the circumstances were not right.

Second conditional example: If you had lunch with your favorite actress, you would ask her for her autograph and you would ask her to make a movie with you. You wouldn’t feel like you needed to choose just one of those.

Third conditional example: If I had known you had the day off yesterday, I would have asked you to join me. I wanted you to join me, but I didn’t know you were free.

There are a few things you should note. “Could,” “should,” and “would” are not used in the zero conditional. This is because the zero conditional describes things that always happen. “Could,” “should” and “would” only deal with things that may or may not happen. Additionally, “should” is not generally used in the second conditional. The second conditional deals only with things that are unlikely. If a situation is unlikely, there is little reason to give someone advice on the best course of action. Finally, “would” cannot be used in the first conditional, which deals with predictions of likely and possible future events. In conditional statements, “would” only deals with the unlikely and the impossible.

“Could,” “should,” and “would” are also used in other kinds of sentences, not just conditionals. In future posts, I will look at other uses of these three words.

  • David Recine

    David is a Test Prep Expert for Magoosh TOEFL and IELTS. Additionally, he’s helped students with TOEIC, PET, FCE, BULATS, Eiken, SAT, ACT, GRE, and GMAT.
    David has a BS from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and an MA from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. His work at Magoosh has been cited in many scholarly articles, his Master’s Thesis is featured on the Reading with Pictures website, and he’s presented at the WITESOL (link to PDF) and NAFSA conferences. David has taught K-12 ESL in South Korea as well as undergraduate English and MBA-level business English at American universities. He has also trained English teachers in America, Italy, and Peru.
    Come join David and the Magoosh team on Youtube, Facebook, and Instagram, or connect with him via LinkedIn!

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