Could vs. Would

'Could' and 'would' are modal verbs that help us express additional information. In this lesson, we will learn their uses and differences.

What Is Their Main Difference?

The main difference between modal verbs 'could' and 'would' is that 'could' is the past tense of 'can,' and 'would' is the past tense of 'will.'

'Could' is one of the most well-known modal verbs in English. It is used to to express possibility or ability in the present or past, and can also be used to make polite requests or suggestions. To put it simply, 'could' is the past tense of the modal verb 'can.' For example:

I could call a cab.

Here, we are talking about possibilities.

She could pick up weights up to 100 kilograms.

Here, we are talking about abilities.

'Would' is a modal verb that can be used to talk about predictions, express willingness, making offers and requests, etc. Technically, 'would' is the past tense of the modal verb 'will.' For instance:

I would buy that bike if I had the money.

When I was a child, I would always eat cereal for breakfast.

Similarities

Past Tense

Both 'could' and 'would' are past tenses of other modals. 'Would' is the past tense of 'will,' and 'could' is the past tense of 'can.' Have a look:

I can jump high. → I could jump high.

I will call a cab. → I would call a cab.

Making Offers

Offers are statements that show the speaker is willing to do something for someone. 'Could' is used (not in past tense) to make a formal offer. 'Would' is also used to ask someone if they like to do something. Have a look:

Could I give you a brochure of our product?

Would you like to have a few minutes off?

Making Requests

Requests are a way for us to ask for favors. The modal verbs 'could' and 'would' are commonly used to make requests in the present tense. Both 'could' and 'would' are used to express politeness and make polite and formal requests. For example:

Could you pass the salt?

Would you pass the salt?

Negation and Question

As modal verbs, 'could' and 'would' can both be used in negative sentences. To make them negative, we add 'not' to them.

Could → Could not → Couldn't
Would → Would not → Wouldn't

Here are some examples of negative sentences with 'would' and 'could'.

I could walk for hours. → I couldn't walk for hours.

She would like this gift. → She wouldn't like this gift.

To form interrogative sentences, with modal verbs, we simply invert them. This rule applies to 'could' and 'would' as well. Take a look at the examples:

They could speak three languages. → Could they speak three languages?

He would talk about Comics all day. → Would he talk about Comics all day?

With Other Modals

We can only have one modal verb in a sentence. 'Could' and 'would' are no exception to this rule. We cannot use them together or with other modals. Have a look:

I ~~may~~ ~~would~~ go hiking this weekend.

I ~~should~~ ~~could~~ learn a new language.

With Conditionals

'Could' and 'would' can be used in conditional sentences.

Conditionals Type 2

Conditionals type 2 talks about a hypothetical or unreal situation in the present or future. In such sentences, 'could' suggests a possibility or potentiality, while 'would' suggests a more definite outcome or result. For example:

If I am elected, I could end inequality.

If I am elected, I would end inequality.

Conditional Type 3

'Would' and 'could' can also be used as conditional verbs in the third type of conditionals, which describe hypothetical situations in the past. In other words, we imagine a different outcome or a different past. 'Would' is the most commonly used modal verb in this type of conditional. Take a look at some examples:

If I had practiced harder, I could have won the contest.

If I had practiced harder, I would have won the contest.

Differences

Giving and Asking for Permission

The modal verb 'could' can be used to give and ask for permission. It is commonly used in formal contexts because 'could' is a polite way of making a request or seeking permission. Have a look:

Could I borrow your notes?

You could borrow my notes.

Predictions

We use 'would' to talk about past predictions about events that were supposed to happen in the future. These events may or may not have happened in reality. For instance:

I thought it would be cold this morning.

He said he would be here for my birthday.

Abilities

One of the most common uses of the modal verb 'could' is to talk about abilities, talents, or skills, especially in the past. Since 'could' is in the past tense, it is often used to describe past abilities that no longer exist or that the person who possessed them has since passed away. For example:

My grandfather could make anything with wood.

He could swim really fast.

Habits

'Would' is used to talk about habits and routine actions and events. These actions tend to be repeated regularly. For example:

He would talk non-stop about that band he likes.

I would take the bus to work.

Formality

'Could' and 'would' have multiple uses and can be used in various contexts. The choice between the two modal verbs depends largely on the formality of the context. In general, 'could' is considered more formal than 'would'.

Could you close the door?

Would you close the door?

Comments

(0)

Share on :