Would is a modal verb that usually gets shortened to ‘d’ in spoken English. When used with a positive emotion, would implies that you would assume something to be true. The word would is commonly used with love, wish, agreement, and opinion. Here are some examples of how to use would. And how would you say it in a sentence? Using ‘would’ correctly will make your sentence much more compelling. So let’s get started!
Could
The verbs can and could are both past subjunctives. They mean that something may be allowed or forbidden. While some people think could is incorrect, others find it to be a better choice. For instance, in a sentence, it is acceptable to say “could” instead of “must” if the subject of the sentence is not obligated. A sentence containing both can and could is a strong signal that the subject is not obliged to do something.
Both can and could refer to past capabilities, but could is the preferred verb in most situations. In the past, you could be someone else’s friend, or offer something to a stranger. In the present, the verb could refers to whether someone had the ability to do something. If someone did not possess the ability, they could ask or offer it to you. A statement like “he could do that,” or “she could do that,” is also acceptable.
Although could and would are often interchangeable, skilled writers know the difference between them and can use them in different situations. Learn about the differences between would and could, so you can avoid making the mistake of using one or the other in your writing. These verbs are used in a variety of situations and can be confusing for English language learners. Here’s what you need to know about these words: