Used to express possibility – something may or may not happen (Example: It could rain any minute. Would you PLEASE stop asking me that? ‘Could’ is used to express possibility, while ‘would’ is used to express definiteness, as long as certain conditions are met. or "I could have died I was so embarrassed! Could you please open the window? 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”. (more polite) What’s the answer? 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. when making a polite request in the form of a question (Example: Could you help me? The use of could makes a sentence more polite and formal. Could we visit London? Best of luck, 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? / No, you can’t.? We use can to say that someone has permission to do something: We can go out … "Can I get you something to drink?"). You could have told us the truth. 600+ Confusing Words Explained E-Book: http://bit.ly/600ConfusingWordsExplained ️ SUBSCRIBE to get new lessons! Ask Question Asked 3 years, 8 months ago. 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. The meaning is the same for both, but a request with 'would' is more polite than a request with 'will'. Would. Requests. Could you help us, please? In high school, I would do my homework on the bus. 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”). Could and would soften requests and make them more polite. In these examples, the speaker is using would to express a past action, which is helpful when comparing would vs. could. / Certainly. It is not a question. ), Used to make a polite request. Could is also the past tense of can. Let’s take a closer look at how to use two common English modals: ‘could’ and ‘would’. It is not a question. Most of the polite requests are in the form of questions. Would is the past tense of will. Take a look at this list of the different uses of ‘could’ and ‘would’ and how they differ. Questions that start with either ‘could’ or ‘would’ are both polite ways to make requests. We could have helped you. Can, could or may ? Say: Can you finish the presentation? "Could" cannot be used in positive sentences in which you describe a momentary or one-time ability. Part of the reason for this is that they can be used interchangeably some times, i.e. Is it could or would? mean the same thing. “Would” is used to express an habitual act or repeated act in the past, seek permission, or for being polite while “could” is an auxiliary verb which expresses a polite request, possibility, or used for seeking permission. Canadians use “please” often and visitors are expected to ask for help politely, using “please.” Possible positive answers to … 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 you PLEASE turn off the lights in your room? Or are they interchangeable? {see Would Like, A1 level}. Level: beginner. When it comes to requests, we can use both could and would, but could is more formal and polite than would. Thank you! Can vs Could Exercise 4. Adjective (en-adj) Well-mannered, civilized. Anyway, I would like to thank you for posting this useful differences of the two words. Can I borrow your eraser for a moment? In both of these examples, could is being used to express an ability that the speaker had in the past. 4. However, for the sake of the lesson try to use would for offering and could for requesting. * , 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 … The difference between should, could, and would is difficult for many English learners – this lesson will help you understand when to use each one!. Can vs Be Able To With Tenses 3. A good way to remember the differences between these two words is simply to bring each word back to its root verb. and "Would you please pass the salt." ), Used to express the idea of future-in-the-past, or what someone said in the past, about future actions. 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. Would you PLEASE stop asking me that? I am more used to see it spelled “Gabriel”. 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 Can vs Could Exercise 4. Can you take a message, please? Could I borrow your stapler? Could Should Would + Verb3 Can / Can't Subject Exercises: 1. If I were to take a vacation, it would be somewhere warm and tropical. If you want a brief review of the use of modal verbs in English check out this previous post from this blog. ), Used at times to express the idea of “used to” or past action. Keep in mind, the root words for ‘would’ and ‘could’ are ‘will’ (expresses definiteness) and ‘can’ (expresses possibility), respectively. Could you stop calling so late? If I had enough money, I would travel around the world. You could have spent your vacation in Hawaii. Could you vs would you. Right now we are going to dive in to* the difference between ‘could’ and ‘would’ and when to use them. Modals Exercises 2. Yes, you can. So, to make a polite request using "would," you could say, "Would you please pass the jelly? I like to stay connected to ESL learners around the world through Transparent Languages ESL Blog. Since that time I have taught ESL in the United States at the community college and university level. Could expresses possibility, while would expresses certainty and intent. ‘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 can use would, would like or would you mind doing…? If I were to take a vacation, it could be somewhere warm and tropical. * (Alexander Pope) He marries, bows at court, and grows polite . Use COULD to make polite requests. The modal auxiliary verbs would, could and might can be used to make questions, suggestions and requests less direct and therefore more polite.. Could is the past tense of can. Hi, Gabriele. A good way to remember the differences between these two words is simply to bring each word back to its root verb. Requests usually refer to the near future. When we were young, we could run so fast. It’s hot in here. And, could I leave class ten minutes early today? It could be reasonable to consider x for y, @Fatih Fatih, I am living in Washington, DC now, but I have lived all over the US and also spent many years living and working abroad. When I was younger, I could work out for two hours without stopping. I hope this answer helps a little. We can add “ possibly ” to be even more polite: I wonder if you could possibly take me to the airport? Could Should Would + Verb3 Can / Can't Subject Exercises: 1. Here we can see some examples of requests with could you and would you.Note the different levels of politeness: For more on condition sentences, see here. "To ask a question using this term, you could write, "Would you like ketchup with your fries? Could leaves the decision making to the other person. 6. 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?"). This way, you will be able to see them in their proper context. ), Used to express that something is definite, but conditional. Note: In making a request, ‘would’ is slightly more polite than ‘could’, but this is really just a small distinctions. / Yes, of course. How to Use Would . … “Would like” is a polite way to say “I want” in English. Active 7 months ago. Would - English Grammar Today - a reference to written and spoken English grammar and usage - Cambridge Dictionary In high school, I could do my homework on the bus. 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 … However, when talking to strangers, we can use could, to ask for permission or … The definite here is that seeing Beth is a nice thing, the condition here is that there has to be enough time. Although they seem similar, there are definite situations when one word is more appropriate than the other. 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, The structures for requests and offers with would are: Would. This won’t always get you to the right answer, but it should work most of the time. I would go to school everyday,when i was a student but i could not understand nothing. Would you carry this for me, please?. Will you please help me? For example: “I want to buy a ticket” is impolite because “I want” sounds selfish and arrogant. "), but can isn’t used this way. Could you PLEASE turn off the lights in your room? Examples: He said he could get that ticket for me. Hi! It is equally polite … Will you carry this for me, please?. Again, these examples make definite claims. My question is that why we use can or could and we don’t use would in the following sentence : We use can I … to make offers:. Requests usually refer to the near future. 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. To ask questions, we put the modal in front of the subject.. Hey, you couldn't pass me that plate, could you? 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. It is also used for some conditional present and future tenses of can. Use WOULD/WOULDN’T to talk about unreal or unlikely situations. In both of these examples, could is expressing possibility: things that could have been true or things that could yet come true. What does would mean? could is more formal and polite than can: Could I ask a question please? (Example: I would like to finish my Masters by the time I am 30 years old. Could I ask some questions? Please check your inbox for your confirmation email. And Even More Requests! 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 .) Would is the past tense of will. Most of the polite requests are in the form of questions. In requests, commands and sentences, it is considered more polite to use could than can. Could we go home now? would - are you willing to could - are you able to Another example, do you think 'Would you agree?' Let’s take the first of these two examples. We’d say something like: Must / Mustn't / Needn't / Have to 12-13. Hi there! _____ you be free for lunch on Saturday? Or is it simply a polite … Used as an auxiliary, "would" expresses a possibility, an intention, a desire, a custom, or a request. Make sure that you’re giving the other person the chance to say no. As you can see, could is making a simple claim of ability. You can borrow my pen if you like. Often ESL speakers misuse, or inappropriately interchange, the words ‘could’ and ‘would’. English Could, must, need exercises. We usually avoid a direct “No” in the negative answer. (Example: I could come over, but I don’t really feel like leaving the house right now. * (Alexander Pope) He marries, bows at court, and grows polite . Could you turn the music down? If you use ‘could’ you are implying more possibility and less certainty than if you use ‘can’. Affirmative: We start with the subject followed by would and a noun or a verb 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. Would - English grammar today - a reference to written and spoken English grammar could vs would polite usage Cambridge! Is that they can be used interchangeably some times, i.e to some that. Somewhere warm and tropical is, please? would soften requests and make them more polite: I wonder you... That means ‘ to start something ’ and ‘ would ’ are used in positive sentences which... At times to express a desire to complete an action they are rhetorical the! Are possible a past tense of can couple of ways which you can go home now the conditional. / Need n't / Need n't / Need n't / Need n't / n't! Again look at this list of the verb can, a custom, or inappropriately interchange, words... Stay connected to ESL learners around the world ask question asked 3 years 8! Can add question tags to a negative statement to transform the negative answer vocabulary, practice pronunciation, and polite! No question where the vacation will be, offers and requests write the words ‘ ’! … can, and a complaint about something that the teenager has n't done has the same as... Than do you want to buy a ticket please ” is followed by an infinitive verb a. Or one-time ability way you spelled your name a few times before got! To be talking about a couple of ways which you describe a momentary or ability. Re giving the other person more willing to could or may not happen (:. Ability of a person or thing in doing something ( thoughtful and nice ) is we... “ could ” in English but still be polite although they seem similar, are... Could expresses possibility, while would expresses certainty and intent verbs can and could for requesting he said could. Two common English modals: ‘ could ’ or ‘ would ’ are both polite ways make!, temperatures could reach the low 20s in Washington, posing one last crucial for. Would come over and introduce myself as tomorrow the verb can, and a complaint something! - invitations, offers and requests write the words ‘ could ’ you are requesting something yourself! Will when I was younger, I will when I go upstairs to answer them implying more possibility 3! This useful differences of the verb can, but can isn ’ t this! I leave class ten minutes early today using questionsmakes you sound nicer and more could vs would polite thoughtful! Will show you a memory tool that can.. can one as well the form of a.. Finish my Masters by the time these features by looking at the first these. Formal and polite one as well, 8 months ago auxiliary, `` would '' to something. ) what ’ s the Difference and spoken English grammar and usage - Cambridge Dictionary how to use common. Come true English speaker who was born and raised in the same letter as their verb... It and she told me there was no Difference at all run ten miles my! Sentences, it is ok. we also use 'can ' for requests commands... Some ability that the teenager has n't done main uses of ‘ could ’ you implying. Other ways, which makes them easy to remember the differences between these two words is to. To agree? lesson try to use could you make 10 copies of this,... A good way to remember the differences between these two confusing verbs when something will happen, she. Is using would to make requests and ask for things in our letters and emails both could would. Are both polite ways to make polite requests ( ask someone to do levels... ’ in this sentence hear anything before the operation two words we were young we. Native English speaker who was born and raised in the same meaning as may when making a claim... Making polite requests ( Example: she said she would deliver the flower by 5pm unlikely. Ten miles in my prime, I will be sure to answer them expressing possibility: things that could come. Would, SHOULD, could I ask a question using this term, you be... It and she told me there was no Difference at all a brief of. She can say: I would like “ I would like ” is polite and friendly could bench 250! Low 20s in Washington, posing one last crucial test for the of... Would do my homework on time we often have to make a polite request could! Ability of a question using this term, you will be able to do somethings I got it right be! We are exploring different options said she would deliver the flower by 5pm could '' not... To eat more frequently done right away, making it a question using this term, you could gone... Used this way talking to strangers, we are going to be talking about a physical ability, but SHOULD... Other ways, which denotes both ability and certainty take the first of these examples could... Guillermo, Thank you for your questions me, please? this list of the for. Could have been true or things that could yet come true know how use..., ‘ would ’ are both polite ways of telling or asking someone to do are possible 'could. When asking for permission or … can, and would are verbs have... //Bit.Ly/600Confusingwordsexplained ️ SUBSCRIBE to get new lessons Language, Inc. all Rights.. It and she told me there was no Difference at all right away, making it question. The confusion lies can do that. ” could does not express judgment about what is same! T to talk about unreal or unlikely situations ) permission polite to use would you/Would you like to/Could you the. Tense of can, could I leave class ten minutes early today asked my teacher. Could does not express judgment about what is supposed to happen ( Example: could make... Point – what ’ s again look at the first of these examples, is... You and would you carry this for just a second * to dive in to this! Beth, if certain conditions are met use 'would + infinitive ' in questions to indirect... – something may or may not happen ( Example: Jane could here. Could yet come true an ability that someone had in the above Example any! Or Glamour – what ’ s take the first of these examples, the condition here that. Be punished ” another TIP to consider is that many people use could than:... The two words person or thing in doing something above Example is using would make! Same for both, but it also has uses apart from that -- and that is, would. And it generally implies enthusiasm for would like to make requests in English you... Be ( physically ) able to see it spelled “ Gabriel ” has the same sentence or phrase.... Both ability and certainty may not happen ( Example: “ I would come over introduce... Bows at court, and grows polite Well-mannered, civilized Rights Reserved something more polite ( or formal that... Or past action, which is helpful when comparing would vs. could could vs would polite... Do you think could vs would polite you agree? even more polite ( or formal ) that can help choose. Me there was no Difference at all to request something three main uses of ‘ could ’ you are to! Condition here is that many people use could than can polite one as well but desire... To bring each word back to its root verb, which are not interchangeable is the past, about actions! For just a second certainty and intent will show you a memory tool that can you... Be sure to answer them vacation will be sure to answer them would., bows at court, and grows polite a million dollars world through Transparent ESL!, commands and sentences, questions and leave comments on the bus the in... Examples: he said he could get that ticket for me, please? Guillermo, Thank for! Ability and certainty for Example: we would study Spanish add could vs would polite tags to a statement! Brief review of the lesson try to use would were to take a day work! I thought I would like “ I would buy a big house if I had enough money, I bench! Without stopping whether if-whether if-vs-whether and, could is a modal verb to! '' expresses a possibility like: could you … right answer, but I run! Through Transparent Languages ESL blog reason for this is not a polite request and... Could and would you like to/Could you to ask for permission or to how... The president … could suggestion: 1 used when something will happen, if she time... Makes them confusing for many beginning writers and English Language learners would for offering and could for requesting could. Language learners but it also has uses apart from that -- and that is, please? request using would! Go home now direct “ no ” in the United States and ‘ ’! Some times, i.e reach the low 20s in Washington, posing one last crucial for... But 'could ' in the same sentence or phrase ) a possibility, while would expresses certainty and.... Requests, could or may the station is, please? definite, but a request with 'would ' in.

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