Would and could are both examples of modals. You can use modals to ask things, to say what is possible, or to give someone advice.

When do you use would?

–          When something can be true in the future.

 

–          When you want to ask something politely.

 

For example:

Irena would fly to Australia, but she doesn’t have the money.

I would like two coffees, please.

Would you like to come to my party next Thursday?

 

When do you use could?

–          When something is or was possible.

 

–          When you want to ask politely if something is possible.

 

For example:

Could it be true that Josephine is in love?

Could you open the window, please?

I couldn’t understand him, because he spoke too fast.

 

In some cases, both would and could can be used.

When?

When things are possible in the future.

Examples:

1 It would be a good idea to go for a walk before lunch.

It means more or less the same as: It could be a good idea to go for a walk before lunch.

2 It would be possible to see Dr. Danqian at 3 o’clock.

is almost the same as:

It could be possible to see Dr. Danqian at 3 o’clock.

3 Could you bring me a tissue?

isn’t so different from:

Would you bring me a tissue?

4 Alice would improve her English if she read an English book now and then.

is more or less the same as:

Alice could improve her English if she read an English book now and then.

 

I hope this didn’t confuse you too much.

 

Quiz

 

 

Correct answers: scroll down to the bottom of this page.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answers:

1. could

2. would

3. would

4. could

5. could

6. would

7. could

8. could

9. would

10. would could

11. would could