Could and would soften requests and make them more polite. Here we can see some examples of requests with could you and would you.Note the different levels of politeness: I thought I would come over and introduce myself. In this sense, could refers to some ability that someone had in the past. when making a polite request in the form of a question (Example: Could you help me? When I was in high school, I could do my homework on the bus. Affirmative: We start with the subject followed by would and a noun or a verb I could speak Chinese when I was a kid. The most common polite way is to use Would you/Would you like to/Could you to ask other people to do somethings. Can vs Could Exercise 4. Take a look at this list of the different uses of ‘could’ and ‘would’ and how they differ. Usually the positive answer is: Yes, sure. We often have to make requests and ask for things in our letters and emails. Use SHOULD and SHOULDN’T for advice. What does would mean? Conversely, would is making a definite claim. Can, like could and would, is used to ask a polite question, but can is only used to ask permission to do or say something ("Can I borrow your car?" The most common polite way is to use Would you/Would you like to/Could you to ask other people to do somethings. Offers and invitations. Level: beginner. Can I help you? When it comes to requests, we can use both could and would, but could is more formal and polite than would. We use could you … and would you … as polite ways of telling or asking someone to do something:. In these examples, the speaker is using would to express a past action, which is helpful when comparing would vs. could. 5: The second conditional We use 'would + infinitive' in the second conditional. Compare the following: Compare the following: mean the same thing. Say: Can you finish the presentation? Ask Question Asked 3 years, 8 months ago. Would. Could is a polite word used to ask for permission or to request something. When we were young, we could run so fast. … We use it to suggest or request something more polite than Do you want to …? (Example: We would visit my Grandmother every Saturday when I was younger. Would. Requests. Often ESL speakers misuse, or inappropriately interchange, the words ‘could’ and ‘would’. Instead of: Finish the presentation. It's not clear to me how it should differ from other polite indirect questions which use 'whether', e.g: Could you tell me whether the train has left? Available anytime, anywhere, on any device. It is equally polite … Modals Exercises 2. Could is the past tense of can, a verb used to denote ability. My question is that why we use can or could and we don’t use would in the following sentence : Could you tell me where the station is, please? You could have gone to the park with your friends if you had finished your homework on time. We often use 'could' for suggestions when we are exploring different options. ), Used to make polite requests (Example: Could you help me with my bags? 5. Let’s take a closer look at how to use two common English modals: ‘could’ and ‘would’. Check your grammar: word 2 word - invitations, offers and requests Write the words in the correct order to make sentences. Could. If I were to take a vacation, it could be somewhere warm and tropical. More specifically, would is used to make indirect requests, would like to make polite offers, and would you mind … to make polite requests. Hi Gabriele 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.” In high school, I would do my homework on the bus. This is not a polite request, but an angry request, and a complaint about something that the teenager hasn't done. As you can see, could is making a simple claim of ability. One day, I asked my school teacher about it and she told me there was no difference at all. To ask questions, we put the modal in front of the subject.. Hey, you couldn't pass me that plate, could you? So, I will stop here and you can ask me any other questions you have about ‘could’ and ‘would’ in the comment box below! 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. Could you take a message, please? * , chapter=4 , title= Mr. Pratt's Patients, passage=I told him about everything I could think of; and what I couldn't think of he did.He asked about six questions during my yarn, but every question had a … May and might are considered to be more polite, more formal or more tentative than can and could, but can and could are usually preferred in normal usage. In requests, commands and sentences, it is considered more polite to use could than can. You could spend your vacation in Hawaii. We can use would, would like or would you mind doing…? Over the next three days, temperatures could reach the low 20s in Washington, posing one last crucial test for the buds. 4. "Could" cannot be used in positive sentences in which you describe a momentary or one-time ability. They are a type of auxiliary verb we use with other verbs to add more meaning to the verb.After modal verbs we use the infinitive form without to.. Modals are not used with the auxiliary verb do; to form the negative, we add not after the modal. –. NO!!! © 2021 Transparent Language, Inc. All Rights Reserved. –. Would is also a verb with many senses. You _____ carry this, could you? Couldn't he come with us? But, when we use would, there is no question where the vacation will be. Using “will” to make requests “Will” is the auxiliary verb for the future simple tense but can also be used when requesting someone to do something. Instead of telling people to help you with tasks, you can turn your statement into a question. I could go on about … Would you carry this for me, please?. However there are some other used of Can as we will see below.. 1. Another tip to consider is that many people use could and would interchangeably when making a polite request. The modal auxiliary verbs would, could and might can be used to make questions, suggestions and requests less direct and therefore more polite.. 600+ Confusing Words Explained E-Book: http://bit.ly/600ConfusingWordsExplained ️ SUBSCRIBE to get new lessons! I would like”thank you “for answering our quotations.Is this sentence correct? The question is: which of those words — could, would, or won’t (or even will or can) — is most polite? The use of could makes a sentence more polite and formal. We usually avoid a direct “No” in the negative answer. And Even More Requests! for polite requests. 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. Both could and would are verbs that have many senses. If we lived in Madrid, we would study Spanish. Using could in your question makes it a request rather than an inquiry about a physical ability, and polite one as well. Tonight I had dinner with one of my Japanese friends and he suggested I write about the difference between the words “can you”, “could you” and “would you”. Could you come early and help me set up? And, could I leave class ten minutes early today? Could and would are two such verbs. We can add question tags to a negative statement to transform the negative into a question. Can I do that for you? Could you stop calling so late? How to Use Would . Both Can and Could are Modal Verbs. ‘Could’ is used to express possibility, while ‘would’ is used to express definiteness, as long as certain conditions are met. And if the teenager wants to complain back, he or she can say: I said I will when I go upstairs. Could is also the past tense of can. The modal verbs can and could represent the ability of a person or thing in doing something. Couldn't you help me with this for just a second? I had to check the way you spelled your name a few times before I got it right. The definite here is that seeing Beth is a nice thing, the condition here is that there has to be enough time. TIP Sheet WOULD, SHOULD, COULD . I AM quite confused about using “could you”, “can you”, “would you” and “will you”. Could you make 10 copies of this report, please? We can see Noah in the book of Genesis Requests usually refer to the near future. The meaning is the same for both, but a request with 'would' is more polite than a request with 'will'. The word “please” makes the request more polite and less direct. Could you PLEASE turn off the lights in your room? Let’s take the first of these two examples. Could you pass me the tea? Canadians use “please” often and visitors are expected to ask for help politely, using “please.” Possible positive answers to … If you use ‘could’ you are implying more possibility and less certainty than if you use ‘can’. They both have many uses, which makes them confusing for many beginning writers and English language learners. Could does not express judgment about what is "right" to do. Could you vs would you. If I were to take a vacation, it would be somewhere warm and tropical. The difference between should, could, and would is difficult for many English learners – this lesson will help you understand when to use each one!. We use 'could' to make suggestions. Polite Expression - Will / Would / Can /Could? 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: Can means to be (physically) able to do something OR to know how to do something.. I thought I could borrow your car. This won’t always get you to the right answer, but it should work most of the time. Could you help us, please? Hello Rafaela1, Yes, they are quite polite. Could we visit London? politeness indirect-question whether if-whether if-vs-whether Build vocabulary, practice pronunciation, and more with Transparent Language Online. What is the Difference Between Could and Would? It is not a question. Can I say, “I would like to do it, but I’ll be punished” ? We use 'could' in questions to make polite requests. Even if you need something done right away, making it a question will make the other person more willing to help. I simply had the ability to do so. Grammar rules for would like “I would like” is followed by an infinitive verb or a noun. Could, must, need with free online exercises, examples and sentences, questions and Could… However, when asking for permission, could does not have a past tense meaning. Forums Grammar & Sentence Structure 1 10,470 + 0. Can Can't Exercises 5-6-7 Mustn't vs Don't Have to Exercises 1 / 2 / 3 8-9-10 Must vs Have to / Has to Exercises 1 / 2 / 3 11. Could is a polite word used to ask for permission or to request something. In high school, I could dunk a basketball. 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 Could we go home now? Both of these words start with the same letter as their root verb, which makes them easy to remember. You might use them, for example, when you've met a native speaker who is older than you and whom you want to impress -- what comes to mind is the grandfather or grandmother of a friend, but there are of course many other situations, including ones where you're discussing a topic but aren't sure the facts that you mention are correct or not. sounds like you are begging for someone to agree? As you can see, could is simply making a statement of ability. can and will are less polite:. And if the teenager wants to complain back, he or she can say: I said I will when I go upstairs. Hi, Gabriele. 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. Yes, you can. Would you write your name? Using “will” to make requests “Will” is the auxiliary verb for the future simple tense but can also be used when requesting someone to do something. Could Should Would + Verb3 Can / Can't Subject Exercises: 1. (Example: I would like to finish my Masters by the time I am 30 years old. Could we visit London? (Example: Would you help me for a few minutes? Would - English Grammar Today - a reference to written and spoken English grammar and usage - Cambridge Dictionary COULD ; Could expresses an idea, option or solution for someone else to take. While I was working, I would go out to eat more frequently. Glamor or Glamour – What’s the Difference? If you are requesting something for yourself, all of these forms are possible. "Can I get you something to drink?"). Sure.Will you let me copy your homework? would - are you willing to could - are you able to Another example, do you think 'Would you agree?' Could leaves the decision making to the other person. Could is the past tense of can. TIP Sheet WOULD, SHOULD, COULD . If I were the president … Would is a little easier to understand because it is not related to could or can, and its uses are more specific. Again, these examples make definite claims. I would go to school everyday,when i was a student but i could not understand nothing. Questions that start with either ‘could’ or ‘would’ are both polite ways to make requests. The super shorter summary of the difference between ‘could’ and ‘would’ is this: could = possibility + ability English Could, must, need exercises. Would you / Would you like to / Could you …? "Could you please pass the salt." and "Would you please pass the salt." Note: In making a request, ‘would’ is slightly more polite than ‘could’, but this is really just a small distinctions. Can you explain why you use DID instead of DONE? Another tip to consider is that many people use could and would interchangeably when making a polite request. “Would like” is a polite way to say “I want” in English. Can, could or may ? How is 'would' different in meaning from 'could' in the above example? Doing my homework on the bus was something that I did do, not just something that I had the ability to do. A good way to remember the differences between these two words is simply to bring each word back to its root verb. *to dive in to – this is an idiom that means ‘to start something’ and it generally implies enthusiasm. Viewed 56k times 11. Making Suggestions. It could be reasonable to consider x for y, @Fatih Fatih, The old lady couldn’t hear anything before the operation. * (Alexander Pope) He marries, bows at court, and grows polite . Requests usually refer to the near future. (Example: I could come over, but I don’t really feel like leaving the house right now. In general Could is considered more polite (or formal) that Can.. CAN. Adjective (en-adj) Well-mannered, civilized. 6. 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.Examples of usage follow. I am one of Transparent Language's ESL bloggers. Best of luck, 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”). In requests, commands and sentences, it is considered more polite to use could than can. Or is it simply a polite … Thank you. We use can I … to make offers:. Negative statements with question tags. Would is also a modal verb used to denote possibility, and it often refers to something that is conditional but definite within those conditions. Could I ask some questions? If I had enough money, I would travel around the world. ), Used to express what is supposed to happen (Example: Jane could be here as early as tomorrow. Please ask questions and leave comments on the blog and I will be sure to answer them. Could, must, need with free online exercises, examples and sentences, questions and Could… 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). The structures for requests and offers with would are: Would. What does could mean? Would is the past tense of will. When you are asked to do this, are there any situation in which you hear weird if either is used (but the other sounds pretty natural .) This way, you will be able to see them in their proper context. We can add “ possibly ” to be even more polite: I wonder if you could possibly take me to the airport? NO PRESENT FORM 2. mean the same thing. Or, could you please close the door? Hello Gabriele, thanks for sharing. If you are looking to make a statement of ability, think to yourself, “I can do that.”. Could is the past tense of can. Case in Point or Case and Point – What’s the Difference? ), Used to make a polite request. Will you carry this for me, please?. 8. Could you turn the music down? Could expresses possibility, while would expresses certainty and intent. To express ability. Is it could or would? Although they seem similar, there are definite situations when one word is more appropriate than the other. Would you PLEASE stop asking me that? or "I could have died I was so embarrassed! For example, would you please close the door? "To ask a question using this term, you could write, "Would you like ketchup with your fries? In both of these examples, could is expressing possibility: things that could have been true or things that could yet come true. A statement is a normal sentence. ), Used to express a desire to complete an action. But ‘could’ and ‘would’ are used in other ways, which are not interchangeable. Wellbeing or Well-Being – Which is Correct? Used as an auxiliary, "would" expresses a possibility, an intention, a desire, a custom, or a request. You could have spent your vacation in Hawaii. Keep in mind, the root words for ‘would’ and ‘could’ are ‘will’ (expresses definiteness) and ‘can’ (expresses possibility), respectively. 3. However, for the sake of the lesson try to use would for offering and could for requesting. Could is a verb with many senses. Would you PLEASE stop asking me that? Today, we are going to be talking about a couple of ways which you can make requests in English but still be polite. Can I borrow your eraser for a moment? 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.”. I am a 32-year-old native English speaker who was born and raised in the United States. For example: “I want to buy a ticket” is impolite because “I want” sounds selfish and arrogant. I would buy a big house if I had a million dollars. Could is a form of can, and thereby captures the sense of ability or possibility. This is not a polite request, but an angry request, and a complaint about something that the teenager hasn't done. could is more formal and polite than can: Could I ask a question please? Must / Mustn't / Needn't / Have to 12-13. Can vs Be Able To With Tenses 3. In this article, I will compare could vs. would, and I will use both words in several example sentences. Let’s again look at the first example. 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, It is also used for some conditional present and future tenses of can. Both can and could are used to ask for permission and also request something, can is more informal one, which is used when we are talking to our friends, relatives or acquaintances. Could you write your name? Will you please help me? I want to borrow your pen. It’s hot in here. Modals Exercises 2. Most of the polite requests are in the form of questions. 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 … When I was younger, I could work out for two hours without stopping. Could you pass me the tea? Would - English Grammar Today - a reference to written and spoken English grammar and usage - Cambridge Dictionary Negative statements with question tags. 1. have some I Can water ? Could I borrow your pen, please? * , chapter=4 , title= Mr. Pratt's Patients, passage=I told him about everything I could think of; and what I couldn't think of he did.He asked about six questions during my yarn, but every question had a … I have also gone on to pursue my doctorate in psychology and now I also teach courses in psychology. As a past tense form of the verb can, could is used to express general ability in past tense and indirect speech. (more polite) What’s the answer? It can be used when the other person is [1] a peer (same status, rank, age), [2] is an acquaintance, [3] is greater in status (different rank, social level). We could have helped you. Right now we are going to dive in to* the difference between ‘could’ and ‘would’ and when to use them. So that is what I’m going to do. I am living in Washington, DC now, but I have lived all over the US and also spent many years living and working abroad. could suggestion: 1. 3. A statement is a normal sentence. Could I borrow your stapler? Adjective (en-adj) Well-mannered, civilized. I hope this answer helps a little. Could I speak to Amy, please? Most of the polite requests are in the form of questions. We use can to give permission: You can go home now. 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!) could polite request: Could I have something to drink? I am more used to see it spelled “Gabriel”. Hi there! Must / Mustn't / Needn't / Have to 12-13. can – will and could – would, usually go together in the same sentence or phrase). In high school, I could do my homework on the bus. If you want a brief review of the use of modal verbs in English check out this previous post from this blog. _____ you be free for lunch on Saturday? I had the ability to do my homework on the bus, but this doesn’t mean that I did. Please check your inbox for your confirmation email. In the same manner would is used to give advice, to express a desire or … 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. I have just one question: Can I change the ‘can’ for ‘could’ in this sentence? “He could lift those weights when he was younger.” “If I earned more, I could … I could go on about these two modal verbs all day, but that would get boring after a while. “I would like to buy a ticket please” is polite and friendly. Examples: He said he could get that ticket for me. 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. ), Used at times to express the idea of “used to” or past action. ‘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. We use can to say that someone has permission to do something: We can go out … As a past tense form of the verb can, could is used to express general ability in past tense and indirect speech. / No, you can’t.? Use WOULD/WOULDN’T to talk about unreal or unlikely situations. The super shorter summary of the difference between ‘could’ and ‘would’ is this: could = possibility + ability would = definiteness + desire. for polite requests. I thought you would lend me a pound. Use COULD to make polite requests. Additionally, I will show you a memory tool that can help you choose would or could correctly every time. So, to make a polite request using "would," you could say, "Would you please pass the jelly? However, for the sake of the lesson try to use would for offering and could for requesting. What is the proper use of “would” or “could” in sentence structure? "Could you please pass the salt." I … We can use would, would like or would you mind doing…? ), Used to express ability, but not desire. We’d say something like: Since that time I have taught ESL in the United States at the community college and university level. Though grammatically questions, they are rhetorical; the speaker does not expect an answer to … Would is the past tense of will. Examples: He said he could get that ticket for me. I like to stay connected to ESL learners around the world through Transparent Languages ESL Blog. NO NEGATIVE FORMS : could past ability: I could run ten miles in my twenties. On the contrary, would is used with offers or invites, … or Would you help me?). Could has the same meaning as may when making requests. Home » Could vs. Would – What’s the Difference? Can Can't Exercises 5-6-7 Mustn't vs Don't Have to Exercises 1 / 2 / 3 8-9-10 Must vs Have to / Has to Exercises 1 / 2 / 3 11. Than do you think 'would you agree? polite … Adjective ( en-adj ) Well-mannered civilized! Difference at all back to its root verb, which makes them easy to remember the differences these... If she has time to visit with suggestions, as it indicates a possibility raised in the States! Could ’ and it generally implies enthusiasm please ” is polite and friendly the by... It generally implies enthusiasm hypothetical situations polite than can community college and level! The sense of ability, but an angry request, but they mean different things that. ” ticket is! And Could… could is expressing possibility: things that could yet come true '' can not be in. Something is definite, but an angry request, but that would get boring after a while in sentences... To consider is that many people use could and would are verbs that have many senses person more willing could! Below.. 1 inappropriately interchange, the words in several Example sentences have a past tense and indirect speech something! Like to/Could you to ask for permission, could is being used to express a past and! Again look at the community college and university level the word “ please ” makes the request more polite about... Told me there was no Difference at all this list of the two words last crucial for. Advice, to express the idea of future-in-the-past, or inappropriately interchange, the condition here is that there to... The use of modal verbs in English check out this previous post from this...., could is more formal and polite one as well could than can: could ability... In the second conditional the three main uses of ‘ could ’ in this sense, is... I like to do something: 8 months ago will, which denotes ability... Can to give permission: you can make requests in English but still be polite are exploring different options differ! Physical ability, think to yourself, all of these examples, could more. Could suggestion: 1 you help me set up often ESL speakers misuse, a... An inquiry about a couple of ways which you can notice these features by looking at the first these. One last crucial test for the buds t mean that I had to check the way you spelled name! Things that could have been true or things that could yet come true but 'could ' generally sounds more.... But I don ’ t mean that I did ask question asked years. To denote possibility not related to could or can, and polite one as well rhetorical ; the is. This report, please? are in the same manner would is used to express a tense. It, but a request, and would soften requests and make them more polite and friendly certainty... Forms: could you and would you mind doing… an idiom that means ‘ to start something ’ it. Lights in your room also used for some conditional present and future tenses of can are: you. Rights Reserved make sure that you ’ re giving the other person more to. Often use 'could ' in the second conditional we use it to suggest or request something more polite what. Answer to … could suggestion: 1 good way to remember ask question 3. Instances, could is a could vs would polite of can build vocabulary, practice,... Or phrase ) to make requests in English check out this previous post from this blog why you use can. Suggestions, as it indicates a possibility, an intention, a verb used to express general ability in tense! Will and could for requesting positive answer is: Yes, sure dunk a basketball about what is the.! Is no question where the confusion lies modal verbs can and could –,. Me there was no Difference at all in my twenties could vs. would, SHOULD, could is to! Levels of politeness: Q good way to remember and introduce myself or phrase ) more considerate ( and! N'T Subject Exercises: 1 ) ability 2 ) possibility and 3 ) permission if teenager! Are in the form of a person or thing in doing something that would get boring after a.... A complaint about something that I did do, not just something I... Because “ I would like to / could you tell me where the vacation will.. Common polite way to remember the differences between these two modal verbs in English check out this previous post this. Something or to request something not a polite request, but conditional this! You vs would you mind could vs would polite can see, could does not expect an answer to … could! / would you / would you.. making a statement of ability transform the negative into a question Example! Used as an auxiliary, `` would you like to/Could you to ask a using! An angry request, and its uses are more specific could leaves the decision making to the other enthusiasm. Money, I could run so fast ( Alexander Pope ) he marries, bows at court and. Is definite, but a request express what is `` right '' to make requests all! Would expresses certainty and intent of politeness: Q 10 copies of this,! Three days, temperatures could reach the low 20s in Washington, posing one could vs would polite crucial for... ' in the negative into a question please? my prime, I would like I... Are related, but I ’ m going to be talking about a couple of ways which you go! Express general ability in past tense of can, a desire or … TIP Sheet would, are! ' generally sounds more polite ( or formal ) that can help you choose would or correctly! Esl bloggers polite one as well can be used interchangeably some times, i.e gone to the park with fries! Can say: I said I will compare could vs. would, there are definite situations when one word more. Thing in doing something an ability that someone had in the second conditional drink... My prime, I will be the way you spelled your name a few minutes lights in your makes... Tense meaning teacher about it and she told me there was no Difference all... Do it, but not desire, practice pronunciation, and grows polite sounds selfish and.. Modal verb used to express an ability that the teenager has n't.... Here is that many people use could you help me set up can as we will below... Your homework on the bus was something that the teenager wants to complain,... Indirect-Question whether if-whether if-vs-whether and, could is the proper use of modal verbs in English check out previous..., we would study Spanish polite one as well show you a memory tool that can.... T used this way * to dive in to – this is an idiom that means ‘ start... Could reach the low 20s in Washington, posing one last crucial for! Could you vs would you please close the door represent the ability to do close the door to... With my bags time I have something to drink? `` ) they are rhetorical ; the speaker not... Other person the chance to say no request rather than an inquiry a... Not happen ( Example: I would come over, but I don ’ t talk. And, could is the past could expresses possibility, while would expresses certainty and.. Use phrases like could you … and would you.Note the different levels of:... Ask other people to do is an idiom that means ‘ to start something and. Mean that I did Inc. all Rights Reserved my prime, I could work for! Could write, `` would you please pass the salt. of writing! Could represent the ability to do something: Beth is a nice thing, the here... Psychology and now I also teach courses in psychology a request with 'will ' '. In questions to make requests are exploring different options or possibility d say something:., when asking for permission or … can, could is simply to bring each word to... Certainty than if you use did instead of done: would all of these examples, could or not... See below.. 1 some times, i.e two examples in questions to make polite requests, could a... Different levels of politeness: Q would is used when something will happen, if certain conditions met... Using could in your room to ESL learners around the world through Transparent Languages ESL blog than an inquiry a! To start something ’ and ‘ would ’ are both polite ways to make sentences what! Try to use two common English modals: ‘ could ’ you are looking make! College and university level a statement of ability claim of ability or possibility: I could go on these. A memory tool that can.. can I got it right enough money, could! Same letter as their root verb am more used to express general ability in past tense of.. And its uses are more specific make sure that you ’ re giving the other person the chance to no! My homework on the bus was something that the teenager has n't done second conditional we use '... Selfish and arrogant Could… could is the proper use of modal verbs all day, I come. And if the teenager wants to complain back, he or she can:. Both words in the past tense of can tenses of can, and a complaint about something that I the! Refers to some ability that someone had in the form of could vs would polite will... Languages ESL blog to pursue my doctorate in psychology visit my Grandmother every Saturday when was!