Use of Could and Would

Use of Could and Would

Many people are confused between the use of Could and Would in the sentences. 

Some of you assume that Could and Would have always been used in the past. So, here I am sharing with you the correct usage of Could and Would.

Firstly, Could and Would are also called Modal verbs. You can make your sentences more polite and formal by using Could and Would in your sentences.

Point to remember -

1. Always use the Verb Ist form after Could and Would.

2. I'd be the short form of I would and I had so to identify which one is I would check the verb after Would if the Main form of the Verb is mentioned then consider it I would.

Could - Past form of Can

Use to show Ability in Past -

1. I could run 2 km when I was younger.

2. Last year, he could not speak English well.

3. I could play the guitar when I was in school.

4. In my younger days I could dance for longer hours.

Use to show Possible situations in the Past, Present, and Future -

1. You could've broken your leg. (Past)

2. You could have completed the project last night. (Past)

3. Aditya could be the one who stole the money. (Present)

4. The train could be late. (Present)

5. If you don't study, you could fail the exam. (Future)

6. Rahul could go to jail for stealing the money. (Future)

Use for Making Suggestions and Advice -

1. We could try the newly opened Italian restaurant.

2. We could go to a movie this weekend.

3. We could take a flight to Delhi.

4. We could study together.

Use in Conditional sentences-

1. If you buy a lottery ticket, you could be lucky.

2. If you work hard, you could get a promotion.

Use for Imaginary situation-

1. I wish I could fly.

2. I wish you could see the reality.

3. I wish I could marry Ranbir Kapoor.

4. I wish you could understand me.

Use for Polite offers -

1. Could I get you something to drink?

2. Could I help you with that?

Use for Polite requests-

1. Could you open the door, please?

2. Could you pass me the charger?

3. Could you turn the music down?

4. Could you fetch me that book?

Use for Polite permission-

1. Could I borrow your laptop for a couple of days?

2. Could I take one more piece of cake?

3. Could I have your pen?

4. Could I take the day off tomorrow?

Use in Indirect speech -

1. He said that he could sing a song.

2. Rahul said that he could play the guitar.

Use of Could and Would

Would - Past form of Will

To show Past habits -

1. He would dance well when he was a child.

2. I would read a lot in my college days.

Point to remember- You can also replace would with Used to in the above sentences.

Common examples of Would -

1. I knew we would win the football match.

2. I knew you would make him study.

3. I was sure, I would pass the interview.

Use in Conditional sentences-

2. If I had finished my work, I would've left.

3. If I had enough money, I would start my own business.

Use in Imaginary situation-

1. If I had a lakh rupees, I would buy a laptop.

2. If I had wings, I would fly all over the world.

3. If Rahul stopped playing video games, his grades would improve.

4. If Tina had gone to law school, she would have become a lawyer?

Use for Making Offers-

1. Would you like some tea and biscuits?

2. Would you like to join us for a movie?

3. Would you like to come along with us?

4. Would you like some more milk in your coffee?

Use for Polite requests-

1. Would you open the door, please?

2. Would you mind lending me some money?

3. Would you please be quiet?

4. I would like a room for three nights, please.

Use for Polite permission.

1. Would you mind If I borrowed your laptop for a couple of days?

2. Would it be okay If I borrowed your laptop for a couple of days?

3. Would you mind If I left a little early tomorrow?

4. Would it be okay if I left a little early tomorrow?

Use in Indirect speech -

1. She said that she would buy something from the market.

2. He said that he would help all of us.

4. Ravi said that he would not eat pizza.

To show plans and wishes -

1. After I finish my studies, I'd like to travel the world.

Happy Learning 😊