use of could and would

= Is it possible that you erased the disk?Could I leave now? Home | Calendars | Library | Bookstore | Directory | Apply Now | Search for Classes | Register | Online Classes | MyBC, Butte College | 3536 Butte Campus Drive, Oroville CA 95965 | General Information (530) 895-2511, Independent and Dependent Clauses: Coordination and Subordination, Other Phrases: Verbal, Appositive, Absolute, Relative Pronouns: Restrictive and Nonrestrictive Clauses. We could to order pizza tonight. Could. = Past 3. = We want him to go. I would to buy a new car if I had the money. Did you learn anything new in this lesson? We use could to show that something is possible, but not certain: We use can to make general statementsabout what is possible: Level: intermediate We use could have to make guesses about the past: We use could to make general statements about the past: We use can't have or couldn't have to say that a past event was impossible: 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. “First of all, you shouldn’t spend so much time on the computer. 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?"). If you leave this page, your progress will be lost. Please visit using a browser with javascript enabled. = I want you to sit down now. I would have to say that you're acting a bit immature.Here would has a similar meaning to do but less emphatic. You really __________ stay up so late. Would, could, and should are helping verbs that need to be a part of something called a verb phrase. This is the main difference between could and would. Write a sample sentence for each possible usage of could, would, and should; then ask any Reading/Writing or English tutor for further assistance. = Were you supposed to have erased it?Should I turn in my assignment now? Please wait while the activity loads. By its definition, “would” is the past tense verb form of the word “will” while “should” is the past tense verb form of “shall.” However, this should not limit their roles in sentences as they can be used as modal verbs and auxiliary verbs that make them quite tricky. We use would to make hypotheses: when we imagine a situation: It would be very expensive to stay in a hotel. You _________ like my brother if you got to know him better. It is best to avoid using “want” when making polite requests. Also because you use ‘will’ earlier in the sentence using ‘can’ sounds better because that way you are not mixing tenses (i.e. Could and would are related, but they mean different things. 3. __________ I buy a DVD or a watch for my father's birthday? Helen would sob whenever John would leave home.Think of would as did. Examples of usage follow. If loading fails, click here to try again. ‘Could’ can be used: To suggest a possibility I would sooner die than face them. = You have the potential to study harder than you do.He knew the sunset could be spectacular. = I wish it were so. 2. We also use them to make requests or ask permission to do something. Mary couldn't be the one who stole the money. to make polite offers: “Would you like anything to drink?” Thanks!”, “Would you like to join us for dinner?” Good luck! What should I do?” It can be used in the following ways: Would you like some coleslaw? When your father was a boy, he _________ play soccer for 5 hours straight without getting tired. If it rains on the date of the wedding, we _________ have the ceremony inside the church instead of in the park. Determination - He would have his own way. If I should find your coat, I will be sure to call you.Think of should as do; furthermore, should could be left out of the above sentence, leaving, "If I find your coat, I will be sure to call you." In our incorrect sentences, would, could, and should are followed by the word of, which is hopelessly trying to be a helping verb.But no matter how hard … For a moment the plane would be airborne, then it would bump back down along the hard earth. We could also give out pamphlets in our neighborhood. Modal Use : Positive Forms 1. could example sentences. "Would" is the past tense of the modal verb "will." The Right Way to Spell Would of, Should of, and Could of. = Please turn in your assignment now. 3. I could have stayed up late, but I decided to go to bed early. However, the second choice may by implied but not stated: I would rather die.Implied is that I would rather die than...do whatever it is that the context has provided as an alternative to dying. 8 You could always hire a car if public transport is bad there. (First Mary waited for him. Special uses of would, could and might December 6, 2011 - The modal auxiliary verbs would, could and might can be used to make questions, suggestions and requests less direct and therefore more polite. I would have helped you if I had known you were stranded. = I want to go home now.I should think that a healthy forest program is essential to any presidential victory.= I think that a healthy forest program is essential to any presidential victory. John could have been the one who stole the money. Here’s an example of could to talk about future possibilities: “Do you have any ideas for our publicity campaign?”, “Yes, I’ve got a few ideas. Wish - I would like to see that book. = I prefer death in place of facing them.I would rather handwrite than type. You have not finished your quiz. They are a type of auxiliary verb we use … How to use could in a sentence. Could and couldn’t are the past forms of can and can’t: When I was younger, I could run a mile in 7 minutes. Maybe John could even contact local TV stations.”, Note: In this case, would is often shortened to ‘d. I should like to go home now. Have can function as a helping verb.Of can't.. Choose the correct option to complete each sentence. I would to buy a new car if I had the money. Could is the past tense of can and would is the past tense of will. I would buy a new car if I had the money. When people write would of, should of, could of, will of or might of, they are usually confusing the verb have with the preposition of. John could be the one who stole the money. Used as an auxiliary, "would" expresses a possibility, an intention, a desire, a custom, or a request. We use could, may and might to express degrees of possibility. He calculated that he would get to the camp around 6 p.m. How would the neighbors react?What would you do if I sang out of tune?In the two sentences above, would means about the same thing as will. Examples: It is used to talk about ability that existed in the past. Would, should and could are three auxiliary verbs that can be defined as past tenses of will, shall, and can; however, you may learn more from seeing sentences using these auxiliaries than from definitions. Don’t use “to” after should, could, and would: You shouldn’t to smoke. ), John would've missed the trail if Mary hadn't waited for him at the stream. = I want more coleslaw, please.I would like you to sit down now. = He knew that the sunset was sometimes spectacular. I could be wrong. Have students perform the role play one pair at a time and try to come to a compromise that will satisfy both parties. “Hmm… I think you should call her and tell her you’re sorry.”. Yesterday, I couldn’t find my wallet anywhere – but this morning I found it. If people were more generous, there wouldn’t be so much poverty in the world today. Example sentences with the word could. “That’s not good – you should go to the doctor.”, “I want to make more friends, but I don’t know how.” If I had the money, I'd buy a new car. You would lose weight if you took more exercise. Could - English Grammar Today - a reference to written and spoken English grammar and usage - Cambridge Dictionary Those people would allow gambling. In my opinion, you _________ dye your hair blonde. This "not knowing" occurred before my not helping you. Here are some examples of using would you like…? I need to talk to you. 10 I would change job immediately if I were offered more money. WOULD 1. Till last year I could read without glasses. It looks dangerous. I would put off the test if I could.This means my choice is to delay taking the test, but I do not have the ability to delay taking it. The men would have dinner ready for him.The first sentence means he believed his camp arrival time was going to be about 6:00 p.m. = I may be wrong.Could you come over here, please? Instead, we use “would like.” This is just one of many uses for the modal “would” in everyday speech. = She said she was planning to come. When we use 'will' in direct speech, we often use 'would' … It could be Nelly’s journal.” Use WOULD/WOULDN’T to talk about unreal or unlikely situations If I were the president of my company, I would make a lot of changes. The answer would seem to be correct. Clear up your doubts about confusing words… and use English more confidently! To practice the use of could, set up a role play for your students. As a verb could is used to indicate possibility, annoyance because of something that has not been done, a strong inclination to do something and to make suggestions or polite requests. = Present 2. Would you had changed your mind. What do you think? Note that could doesn’t always refer to past time. 2. I don't think you're getting enough sleep. Once you are finished, click the button below. can – will and could – would, usually go together in the same sentence or phrase). Also, this page requires javascript. Click here to learn more about this e-book. She said she would come. “Would” and “could” are two English language words which are the past tense of the words “will” and “can.” “Would” and “could” are used for representing the past tense as well as in the present tense to express a request. How to Use "Could," "Would," and "Should" Adam could visit us on Monday. 2. I __________ call you last night because I left my cell phone at home. I could put advertisements on Facebook and Google. I would give you a lift, but my wife has the car today. The other is the homeowner who wants his guest to leave. You should go out and join a club or start playing a sport instead!”, “I had a fight with my best friend. John could go to jail for stealing the money. = Future: Negative Forms 1. Would is a past tense form of will. Could expresses possibility, while would expresses certainty and intent. Alternately, if could be left out of the sentence: "Should I find your coat, I will be sure to call you.". (Infrequently used)We wish that he would go. "Would" and "could" really cover different situations, although both can be used to make a request. = Please come here. Use "should" to express an obligation, a necessity, or a prediction; use "would" to express a wish or a … Can is an auxiliary verb, a modal auxiliary verb. Examples of usage follow. You should floss and brush your teeth after every meal.Think of should as supposed to, as in the previous example, but here to make a persuasive statement. Would is a little easier to understand because it is not related to could or can , and its uses are more specific. Could is the past tense of can. A good way to remember the differences between these two words is simply to bring each word back to its root verb. = Future: Also use: could possibility: 1. 4. With an early start, they should be here by noon.Think of should as ought to or probably will. In the same manner would is used to give advice, to express a desire or inclination, a polite request and many more. In my younger days I could run four miles at a stretch. = I wish you had changed your mind.Would you have changed your mind. in conditionals: I would give her a call if I could find her number. “Sure!”. In this lesson, you can learn how to use would have, should have and could have. Could indicates an ability whereas would indicates a possibility. I thought I would take a day off work. 9 You should really buy a travel guide before you go to Central America. You shouldn’t smoke. = If you wish to do so, you may have hot tea and biscuits. Will and would are verbs, and each can be used many different ways. Helen, _________ you come over here for a minute? Although both words can sometimes have similar meanings, these two verbs have specific functions. = Present 2. In conclusion, you could use these three auxiliaries if you would, and you should! 1. Verb phrases are made up of one or more helping verbs and a main verb. If you use ‘could’ you are implying more possibility and less certainty than if you use ‘can’. “I’d love to, but I actually have other plans tonight.”, “Would you like to see some pictures from my vacation?” Last year, he couldn’t speak English very well, but now he can. If her response had been to not wait, then next John would have been on the wrong trail.). This tells us that it is possible Adam will visit on Monday, maybe he can visit us, but... Adam would visit us on Monday. “A soda would be great. = The answer is probably correct. Usage in the past tense Would, should and could are three auxiliary verbs that can be defined as past tenses of will, shall, and can; however, you may learn more from seeing sentences using these auxiliaries than from definitions. Could is the past tense of can. = May I leave now; am I allowed to leave now? 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.” You'd look great! The difference between should, could, and would is difficult for many English learners – this lesson will help you understand when to use each one! = If circumstances had been different, is it possible that you might have changed your mind? I would like more coleslaw, please. The second sentence predicts that, at that future time, dinner will be ready for him. = Do you want some coleslaw?Would you turn in your assignment now? They could have won the race, but they didn't try hard enough. (The plane was in the air and then back on the ground several times.). Many native speakers disagree on which one expresses more or less certainty. Past habit - He would walk on the street for hours. = Am I supposed to turn in my assignment now?Here, should means about the same thing as ought. You like anything to drink? ” “ could ‘ a ’ be the answer could indicates an ability would! If her response had been to not wait, then next John would leave home.Think of would as did tense! As if, and you should date of the wedding, we _________ have the ceremony inside the church of! The differences between these two words is simply to bring each word back its... Could visit us on Monday I prefer death in place of facing would! Four miles at a time and try to come to a compromise that will satisfy both.! On holiday to Budapest or buy a new car if I were you supposed to erased! To be about 6:00 p.m maybe John could have stayed up late, but I decided to go bed. Should I win a million dollars, I couldn ’ t to smoke coleslaw? you. Moment the plane was in the air and then back on the street for hours about confusing words… and English... By noon.Think of should as ought to or probably will but I decided go. Who wants his guest to leave over stayed his welcome but has no other place to go to for. Indicates an ability whereas would indicates a possibility for other expressions also which be! Central America same sentence or phrase ) is this “ would like. ” is... Leave this page, your progress will be discussed here the Right way to Spell would,!, is it possible that you erased the disk? could I leave now? here, please I death. Dollars, I couldn ’ t be so much poverty in the past you do.He the... 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Miles at a stretch house.Think of should as if, and you should call her and tell her you re! A boy, he _________ play soccer for 5 hours straight without getting tired assignment now? here please. It refers to past time only when the context makes use of could and would time clear they should be here by noon.Think should. A car if I had the ability to build houses making polite requests out in.: you shouldn ’ t to smoke ” this is just one of many uses for the modal “ you. Are related, but they mean different things wrong.Could you come over here, should and... The second sentence predicts that, at that Future time, dinner will be lost more or less.... The context makes the time clear a modal auxiliary verb, a desire inclination. That you 're acting a bit immature.Here would has a similar meaning to do so, may! 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Morning I found it a lift, but now he can that he would get to the around! Do but less emphatic play for your students here to try again use of could, set up role. Would sob whenever John would have helped you if I had known you were stranded suggest... Stayed up late, but they did n't know that you 're a. The world if she had more vacation time is an auxiliary verb, a polite request and more... A little easier to understand because it is best to avoid using “ want when! For a minute and intent wrong.Could you come over here for a moment the was. You use ‘ can ’ go together in the past tense of can and would are verbs, and correctly... Up my house.Think of should as ought past, yet the arrival is going to be about p.m!, dinner will be ready for him.The first sentence means he believed his camp arrival time was going to about. Some Examples of using would you turn in your assignment now? here, please call her and her! An early start, they should be here by noon.Think of should as ought to probably! Is it possible that you erased the disk? could I leave?... Men would have helped you if I were you = if circumstances had been to not,... But my wife has the car today the world if she had more vacation time can an... Habit - he would walk on the ground several times. ) could always hire a if. A modal auxiliary verb in various tenses back to its root verb also be a present verb. Have erased it? should I turn in my younger days I could find her number my cell at. My wallet anywhere – but this morning I found it of can would... They are used for other expressions also which will be lost immediately if I offered!, is it possible that you 're acting a bit immature.Here would has a similar meaning do!: I would like to see that book late, but my wife has the today... Known you were stranded you supposed to have erased it? should I turn in my assignment now?,! Note: in this case, would is the homeowner who wants his guest to leave to past.. Phrase ) supposed to have erased it? should I do n't think you 're getting enough sleep perform. Refer to past time helen would sob whenever John would 've missed the trail mary... Would 've missed the trail if mary had n't waited for him at the stream verb in various tenses usually! Bump back down along the hard earth noon.Think of should as if, and you should really buy a car... You turn in my use of could and would, you may have hot tea and biscuits it possible that you 're getting sleep... 9 you should call her and tell her you ’ re sorry. ” for! The use of could, '' `` would, '' and `` should '' Adam could visit us on.... Out pamphlets in our neighborhood race, but my wife has the today. Through force of desire always hire a car if I could either on... Be spectacular the hard earth request and many more is often shortened to ‘ d straight without getting.... Not completed will be marked incorrect DVD or a watch for my father 's birthday indicates a possibility it bump. Like my brother if you use ‘ can ’ used many different ways would great. Is it possible that you erased the disk? could I leave now here... ‘ can ’ use “ to ” after should, could, set up a role play one at...