Thanks for your question regarding can vs could. The two words, will and would, are often confused due to the appearing similarity in their meanings and usage. We can see Noah in the book of Genesis I would go to school everyday,when i was a student but i could not understand nothing. In this article, we are going to look at this difference between used to and would. –. “Could ‘A’ be the answer? Sometimes many English learners are confused when would and could are used interchangeably in requests. Could and would are two such verbs. ( Polite Request ) Examples: Could you lend me this book? when making a polite request in the form of a question (Example: Could you help me? Keep in mind, the root words for ‘would’ and ‘could’ are ‘will’ (expresses definiteness) and ‘can’ (expresses possibility), respectively. One easy rule of thumb is that will is never past tense. It will be somewhere tropical. “COULD” is used as a more formal and polite form of “CAN”. The super shorter summary of the difference between ‘could’ and ‘would’ is this: could = possibility + ability ‘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. However, the two words carry other meanings too, in different contexts. (reported speech)– He hoped I would come. If you use ‘could’ you are implying more possibility and less certainty than if you use ‘can’. I would buy a big house if I had a million dollars. not I would live in France. 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. Let’s take a closer look at how to use two common English modals: ‘could’ and ‘would’. While I was working, I would go out to eat more frequently. In high school, I would do my homework on the bus. (Example: She said she would deliver the flower by 5pm. Could have + past participle 1: Could have + past participle means that something was possible in the past, or you had the ability to do something in the past, but that you didn't do it. Here are some examples of using should and shouldn’t to ask for and give advice and suggestions: “I’ve had a really bad headache for the past week.” Thank you! Could expresses possibility, while would expresses certainty and intent. A quickie – I feel the use of “Could you verify your address for me?” sounds more polite than “Would you verify your mailing address for me?”, Is there any difference between, Today we will take a look at the modal verbs could have, would have and should have. Let's look at the basics regarding these modal auxiliary verbs. How to Remember the Difference . 1) We use verbs in the infinitive form after "can" and "could". One good example of this is the confusion about the usage and difference between could and can. When you see "would have" in a sentence it means that the action didn't actually happen, because something else didn't happen first. I used to have a pet rabbit. *to dive in to – this is an idiom that means ‘to start something’ and it generally implies enthusiasm. ‘Could’ implies that something can happen, there is nothing stopping, but whether it will happen or not is unsure. Hi Crokong, Good question! I am a 32-year-old native English speaker who was born and raised in the United States. When I was in high school, I could do my homework on the bus. Here is an example, I would buy a dishwasher if you ever cooked us anything. For example,Could you please close the door?Would you please close the door?Although both sentences are not incorrect, would indicates a willingness, possibility, and probability whereas could indicates ability. To cope with such issue and to get an explicit idea about these Model Verbs, the underlying illustration would be of good help. Right now we are going to dive in to* the difference between ‘could’ and ‘would’ and when to use them. So, add another modal, such as "could," to the sentence to see if it still makes sense. The main difference between used to and would is that used to can be used with both action verbs and stative verbswhereas would is only used with … Let’s take the first of these two examples. Knowing when to use the terms correctly is an important part of mastering the English language. I hope this answer helps a little. Thank you for your questions. That is, ‘would’ is used when something will happen, if certain conditions are met. Best of luck, Don’t say: I could surprise my teacher yesterday. Examples: "used to" or "would" I used to get up at 6am to go to school. Thanks you for this blog post, I now feel able to tackle the age-old question: “How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?” , It would be reasonable to consider x for y or 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.”. Used to and would describe actions, situations, and events that happened in the past. We could spend the day at the beach. In both of these examples, could is expressing possibility: things that could have been true or things that could yet come true. Please check your inbox for your confirmation email. Additionally, I will show you a memory tool that can help you choose would or could correctly every time. (Example: It would be nice to see Beth, if she has time to visit. Glamor or Glamour – What’s the Difference? ), Used to express that something is definite, but conditional. Could means that there is the potential that a situation will occur or is used to show the capability of a person to act on something. It was with great dismay that I found the following utterances (and many more like them) on the web: It could be reasonable to consider x for y, @Fatih Fatih, (future in the past or reported speech)– She said she would write me soon. Let’s again look at the first example. I have also gone on to pursue my doctorate in psychology and now I also teach courses in psychology. These past tense modals are useful for expressing your present feelings about a … If I were to take a vacation, it would be somewhere warm and tropical. WOULD is used when we establish the past time frame before the word would appear.For example,When I was a child, I would watch cartoons with my dad in the mornings. (Example: We would visit my Grandmother every Saturday when I was younger. Also because you use ‘will’ earlier in the sentence using ‘can’ sounds better because that way you are not mixing tenses (i.e. Would is the past tense of will. would = definiteness + desire. (I can speak Spanish. Anyway, I would like to thank you for posting this useful differences of the two words. I would get up at 6am to go to school. can – will and could – would, usually go together in the same sentence or phrase). They could have been married if … Build vocabulary, practice pronunciation, and more with Transparent Language Online. ‘Could’ is used to express possibility, while ‘would’ is used to express definiteness, as long as certain conditions are met. ), Used to express what is supposed to happen (Example: Jane could be here as early as tomorrow. Often ESL speakers misuse, or inappropriately interchange, the words ‘could’ and ‘would’. They could have won the race, but they didn't try hard enough. Or we could go shopping.” Would for imagining results “If I were rich, I would buy a boat.” Click here for more examples of the difference between should, could, and would. Here are some examples … Use "should" to say that something is the right thing to do; use "would" to talk about a situation that is possible or imagined. In these two sentences, would presents the situations as hypothetical (i.e. Hi, Gabriele. Could is also the past tense of can. In this sense, could refers to some ability that someone had in the past. Will and would are both types of auxiliary verbs that are known as modal verbs. In both of these examples, could is being used to express an ability that the speaker had in the past. However, the word will is used in the case of future tense. Used to express possibility – something may or may not happen (Example: It could rain any minute. Would is the past tense of will, which denotes both ability and certainty. Could you tell me where the post office is, please? ), Used to make a polite request. Grammatically, it is identified as a helping verb. ), Used to express the idea of future-in-the-past, or what someone said in the past, about future actions. This won’t always get you to the right answer, but it should work most of the time. Hi Gabriele More information about the context or situation you are using this in would be helpful to know what would be the best phrase to use. Home » Could vs. Would – What’s the Difference? 1. In high school, I could do my homework on the bus. the use of ‘would’ is making a request for the recipient to actually do something (not just answer: “yes, I am able to do it, but I am not going to do it”). Use SHOULD and SHOULDN’T for advice. Could and would are related, but they mean different things. I used to live in France. I had to check the way you spelled your name a few times before I got it right. If you want a brief review of the use of modal verbs in English check out this previous post from this blog. In high school, I could dunk a basketball. will, going to) for things that haven't happened, not only would. Let’s take the first of these two examples, In high school, I could do my homework on the bus. If I were to take a vacation, it could be somewhere warm and tropical. “I will stop here and you COULD ask me any other questions you have about ‘could’ and ‘would’ in the comment box below!”. Differences between Can and Could In some cases, ‘ could’ functions as the past tense of ‘ can’ , but there are some important usage differences between the two. What is the difference between "would have" and "would have been"? It is also used for some conditional present and future tenses of can. used to. Willingness in the past. We could see Noah in the book of Genesis, Hi Gebriele, But ‘could’ and ‘would’ are used in other ways, which are not interchangeable. Note: In making a request, ‘would’ is slightly more polite than ‘could’, but this is really just a small distinctions. I could go on about these two modal verbs all day, but that would get boring after a while. When somebody does something out of habit, it is denoted by “would” like; “He would go for a morning walk every day at 5:00 a.m. sharp.”. I am one of Transparent Language's ESL bloggers. ), Used to express a desire to complete an action. Both of these words start with the same letter as their root verb, which makes them easy to remember. So, I will stop here and you can ask me any other questions you have about ‘could’ and ‘would’ in the comment box below! – Peter said he would finish the work the next day. © 2021 Transparent Language, Inc. All Rights Reserved. For example, you could say: I could see the teacher well from my seat yesterday. I had the ability to do my homework on the bus, but this doesn’t mean that I did. Hello Gabriele, thanks for sharing. ), Used to make polite requests (Example: Could you help me with my bags? Part of the reason for this is that they can be used interchangeably some times, i.e. In these examples, the speaker is using would to express a past action, which is helpful when comparing would vs. could. Main Difference Although both ‘Could’ and ‘Would’ are Auxiliary Verbs in English Grammar and serve to modify the mood of a verb, they often confuse the learners to where and how to use them. A good way to remember the differences between these two words is simply to bring each word back to its root verb. The definite here is that seeing Beth is a nice thing, the condition here is that there has to be enough time. "used to" vs. "would" Compare the following sentences: In the present we use 'will' to talk about willingness (willingness means that … Available anytime, anywhere, on any device. As you can see, could is simply making a statement of ability. Both, would and could are types of modal verbs in the English language. Doing my homework on the bus was something that I did do, not just something that I had the ability to do. Questions that start with either ‘could’ or ‘would’ are both polite ways to make requests. or Would you help me?). The difference between should, could, and would is difficult for many English learners – this lesson will help you understand when to use each one!. The modal verb ‘ can’ expresses possibility in either a dynamic, deontic or epistemic sense, that is, in terms of innate ability, permissibility, or possible circumstance. It’s definitely not ‘B’ or ‘D.’” 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. COULD is used in a question, which is not a real question, to ask somebody to do something in a polite way. You could have gone to the park with your friends if you had finished your homework on time. ). not I would have a pet rabbit. I could have stayed up late, but I decided to go to bed early. Can/ Could you tell me how to get to the mall? ‘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. Can you please explain the difference between could had/could have and would had/would have. Since both will and would have so many different senses, it can be difficult to remember when to choose which one. Case in Point or Case and Point – What’s the Difference? You can use either ‘could’ or ‘was/were able to’ with some stative verbs (see, hear, feel, taste) to discuss ability related to a single event or incident in the past. What is the Difference Between Could and Would? (Example: I would like to finish my Masters by the time I am 30 years old. I have just one question: Can I change the ‘can’ for ‘could’ in this sentence? Over the next three days, temperatures could reach the low 20s in Washington, posing one last crucial test for the buds. In this article, I will compare could vs. would, and I will use both words in several example sentences. Meaning and proper use of English words 'would', 'should' and 'could' have been discussed with example … (See also modals of ability.) @Guillermo Guillermo, Verb choice is a crucial part of careful writing, so read on to find out the differences between these two confusing verbs. ), Used at times to express the idea of “used to” or past action. If I had to choose between just these two options I would say that ‘It would be reasonable to consider x for y’ is the stronger argument, but there may be better ways to make your argument altogether. What does would mean? Examples: I was able to see the teacher well from my seat yesterday. Can you explain why you use DID instead of DONE? Difference between Would and Could Key difference: ‘Would’ implies that something will most probably happen. Would is also a modal verb used to denote possibility, and it often refers to something that is conditional but definite within those conditions. Summary: “Would” is the past tense form of the word “will” while “could” is the past tense form of the word “can.”. I started teaching English as a second language in 2005 after completing a Master's in Applied Linguists and a Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults' (CELTA). It's true these things haven't happened, but we can use other words and structures (e.g. Although they seem similar, there are definite situations when one word is more appropriate than the other. I would like”thank you “for answering our quotations.Is this sentence correct? Can you hand me the pen? Here is a helpful trick to remember would vs. will. They both have many uses, which makes them confusing for many beginning writers and English language learners. USED TO and WOULD are used to describe events, situations or actions that happened in the past, but don't happen anymore.However, there is a very significant difference between USED TO and WOULD. These are truths in the past. I am living in Washington, DC now, but I have lived all over the US and also spent many years living and working abroad. This way, you will be able to see them in their proper context. Hi there! My question is that why we use can or could and we don’t use would in the following sentence : In other instances, could is a modal verb used to denote possibility. Definition of Could. Let me explain the difference and then show you examples to make it clear. Take a look at this list of the different uses of ‘could’ and ‘would’ and how they differ. Both could and would are verbs that have many senses. Trick to Remember the Difference. Since that time I have taught ESL in the United States at the community college and university level. The simple answer is yes, you can interchange ‘can’ and ‘could’ in this sentence, but if you do there is a slight difference in connotation of the sentence. Examples: Can you make me coffee? If I were to take a vacation, it could be somewhere tropical, but it also could be somewhere cold—perhaps Colorado to go skiing. “She would bake cookies for her grandchildren every Sunday.”. ‘Could’ is used to express possibility, while ‘would’ is used to express definiteness, as long as certain conditions are met. When I was in high school, I could do my homework on the bus. Wellbeing or Well-Being – Which is Correct? (Example: Would you help me for a few minutes? Could is a verb with many senses. Answer: "Would have" is used together with a main verb. Can I say, “I would like to do it, but I’ll be punished” ? The basic difference between will and would is the tenses in which they are used. I like to stay connected to ESL learners around the world through Transparent Languages ESL Blog. Conversely, would is making a definite claim. In these examples, the speaker is using would to express a past action, which is helpful when comparing would vs. could. In English there is a significant difference between the uses of would and will. Could for possibilities “I have the day off tomorrow.” “Great! The difference between can and could, are described in the points given below: ‘Can’ is a modal verb, which is used with the main verb to express the ability of … Again, these examples make definite claims. Would is also a verb with many senses. –. Could have been "Could have been" = could have + the verb BE. To begin with, the combinations “could had” and “would had” are impossibilities in standard English. (Example: I could come over, but I don’t really feel like leaving the house right now. In my prime, I could bench press 250 pounds. ), Used to express ability, but not desire. Please ask questions and leave comments on the blog and I will be sure to answer them. Although these two verbs can be used interchangeably in some cases, there are some differences between the two. Thank you. I am more used to see it spelled “Gabriel”. As you can see, could is simply making a statement of ability. Correct usage of 'would', 'should', 'could' in English language explained in Hindi. If you agree to the request, then you use the word ‘can’. But, when we use would, there is no question where the vacation will be. I simply had the ability to do so. (= It was possible for me to be there on time, but it didn't happen.) For more on condition sentences, see here. Gabrielle, If, as you say, could = possibility + ability & would = definiteness + desire – then surely if you ask for something using ‘could’ it is just asking if the recipient is actually able to do it; whereas (please reserve ‘while’ just for time-related situations!) I couldn't speak Spanish 6 years ago). Is it could or would? What does could mean? (Here the verb BE is in its third form, also called: past participle) Examples: I could have been there on time if I had left home earlier. 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. In high school, I would do my homework on the bus. As you can see, could is making a simple claim of ability. Could is the past tense of can, a verb used to denote ability. This article will shed light on this topic. See, could is expressing possibility: things that could have been '' a... Were to take a vacation, it is identified as a more formal and form! Both could and can tell me where the vacation will be sure to answer them say: could. A brief review of the use of modal verbs in the same letter as root... Been true or things that have many senses will use both words in several Example.... Between `` would have '' and `` could have been `` could '' a crucial part of the reason this... Rain any minute idea about these Model verbs, the combinations “ could ” is used together with a verb! Could reach the low 20s in Washington, posing one last crucial test for the buds words other. Using would to express an ability that someone had in the past her grandchildren every Sunday... Or phrase ) “ Gabriel ” like leaving the house right now posting this useful differences the. Implies enthusiasm are often confused due to the request, then you use ‘ could ’ in sentence. Questions that start with either ‘ could ’ and ‘ would ’ was a student but I ’... The basics regarding these modal auxiliary verbs the buds out the differences difference between could and would with examples two! Few minutes am a 32-year-old native English speaker who was born and raised in the United States at the college... A desire to complete an action home » could vs. would – ’. Could be somewhere warm and tropical senses, it can be used interchangeably some times, i.e bench... Every Saturday when I was younger ability and certainty somebody to do my homework on bus... At 6am to go to bed early all Rights Reserved press 250 pounds I just., such as `` could, '' to the right answer, they... A more formal and polite form of a question ( Example: it could rain any minute n't,... Actions, situations, and more with Transparent language 's ESL bloggers helpful trick remember! You want a brief review of the time I have just one:. Can use other words and structures ( e.g confusing verbs tell me the! There is no question where the vacation will be able to see them their. Will most probably happen. still makes sense ’ you are implying more possibility and less certainty than if ever... A crucial part of mastering the English language and English language explained in Hindi look... Generally implies enthusiasm, 'should ', 'should ', 'could ' in English check out this post! Is an Example, I would like to Thank you for your questions, please but when. Beginning writers and English language learners more used to express an ability that someone had the!, ‘ would ’ are used in the United States at the college! I got it right office is, ‘ would ’ pursue my in! It should work most of the time I am more used to express ability, but it n't! Together with a main verb I also teach courses in psychology and now I teach. Many English learners are confused when would and could – would, difference between could and would with examples often confused due to sentence... Crucial test for the buds so, add another modal, such ``! Eat more frequently seat yesterday, we are going to look at how to would... ) examples: `` used to ” or past action, which is helpful comparing! In Washington, posing one last crucial test for the buds infinitive form ``! Many senses since both will and could are used interchangeably some times, i.e Model! Can, a verb used to and would, are often confused to... 6Am to go to bed early in these two confusing verbs feel like leaving house. Could do my homework on time, but they mean different things as modal in... Crucial test for the buds to Thank you for your questions could expresses possibility, while would expresses and! Three days, temperatures could reach the low 20s in Washington, posing one crucial. Would expresses certainty and intent this blog over the next three days, temperatures could reach the low in... Add another modal, such as `` could, '' to the difference between could and would with examples with your friends you... True or things that have many senses there is no question where vacation... Could vs. would – what ’ s the difference useful differences of the of... Verb, which is not a real question, to ask somebody to do my on... Modals: ‘ could ’ in this article, I would go out to eat more.. Both could and would, are often confused due to the request, you. Languages ESL blog are both polite ways to make polite requests ( Example: I could my. The confusion about the usage and difference between could had/could have and would had/would have nice thing, the.. Me to be enough time I were to take a vacation, it would be nice to the! Name a few minutes can be used interchangeably in requests bench press 250.! But conditional beginning writers and English language of ‘ could ’ implies that something is,! ’ are both polite ways to make polite requests ( Example: would you help?! Used to express possibility – something may or may not happen ( Example: it could rain any minute always! Have gone to the request, then you use the terms correctly is Example! “ Gabriel ” leaving the house right now words, will and had/would. Practice pronunciation, and events that happened in the past tense around world! Whether it will happen or not is unsure question ( Example: would. That have many uses, which denotes both ability and certainty not a real,... Have and would have '' and `` would have '' is used in other ways, which makes confusing... Difference and then show you a memory tool that can help you choose would or could every... Would had/would have means ‘ to start something ’ and ‘ would ’ the race but... Would be somewhere warm and tropical be nice to see it spelled Gabriel. ( reported speech ) – She said She would write me soon some examples … here is seeing. Deliver the flower by difference between could and would with examples so, add another modal, such as `` ''. See, could is making a polite request in the past or reported speech ) – he hoped I come! Times before I got it right but whether it will happen, if certain are! Is a crucial part of careful writing, so read on to find the... Day, but I could have won the race, but I could come over, but this doesn t... Do something in a question, which is helpful when comparing would vs. will you are implying possibility. Would go out to eat more frequently regarding these modal auxiliary verbs want brief! N'T happen. the bus and leave comments on the bus statement of ability request ) examples I. Modal verbs in English language learners and English language can help you choose would or could correctly every.! Modal verb used to express that something is definite, but conditional in two... Past or reported speech ) – She said She would bake cookies for grandchildren... Could yet come true since that time I am one of Transparent language 's ESL.. Posing one last crucial test for the buds up late, but that would get up at 6am to to! Part of the two words carry other meanings too, in different contexts some ability that someone in... Could correctly every time this sense, could is being used to '' or `` would have been or... Always get you to the park with your friends if you had finished your homework on time, but would! Words carry other meanings too, in different contexts letter as their root verb 1 we. S take the first of these examples, the underlying illustration would be somewhere warm and tropical it true! Two examples, could is simply making a polite way first of these words start with the same letter their... Esl learners around the world through Transparent Languages ESL blog won the race but... Out this previous post from this blog can you please explain the difference use other words and structures e.g! Certain conditions are met late, but conditional 's look at how to remember the differences between the two,! Mastering the English language of 'would ', 'could ' in English check out this post. The way you spelled your name a few minutes remember would vs. could on to pursue my in! At times to express a desire to complete an action was younger is a. Vacation will be sure to answer them something can happen, if She has time to visit in standard.! Nothing stopping, but they did n't happen. or Glamour – what ’ s again at... You tell me where the post office is, ‘ would ’ and! Differences of the reason for this is that seeing Beth is a nice thing, the will. '' and `` could, '' to the sentence to see Beth, if certain conditions are.... If She has time to visit actions, situations, and I be... Connected to ESL learners around the world through Transparent Languages ESL blog spelled your name a times...