Linguistics-English-Would, Should, and Could: How to Use Them Correctly

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Key Takeaways

• “Would” is used for hypotheticals and future possibilities that may not occur.
• “Should” implies advice, expectation, or probability.
• “Could” expresses past ability or present possibility.

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Would, Should, and Could: How to Use Them Correctly

Last updated on June 18, 2024 by Isabella Claire

Contents

Would, Should, and Could: Understanding the Basics
Key Takeaways
Would: Definitions and Usages
Should: Definitions and Usages
Could: Definitions and Usages
Examples in Sentences
Examples of “Would” in Sentences
Examples of “Should” in Sentences
Examples of “Could” in Sentences
Practice and Application
Frequently Asked Questions

Helping verbs, also known as auxiliary verbs, are used to extend the main verb’s meaning in a sentence. These action words help in expressing the main verb’s tense and mood. However, if incorrectly used, it might undermine the purpose of having it in the sentence. Therefore, it is essential to know how helping verbs should be used appropriately in a text. Three of the most commonly used helping verbs are ‘would,’ ‘should,’ and ‘could.’ They sound almost the same and have the same tense, but those three modal auxiliaries don’t mean the same thing. In this article, we shall tackle how to use the said verbs.

Would, Should, and Could: Understanding the Basics

To make polite requests or offers: “Would you like some coffee?”
To describe a future event from a past perspective: “We knew it would rain today.”
In conditional sentences: “I would travel more if I had the money.”
In what situations should ‘should’ be used?
Should apply when:

Giving advice: “You should check your answers before submitting the test.”
Talking about expectations: “They should arrive by now.”
Expressing an obligation: “You should wear a seatbelt when driving.”
Remember, while these auxiliary verbs enhance our sentences, each carries its nuances and rules of application. Here are examples to show the correct usage:

Could: We could go to the park tomorrow if the weather is nice.
Would: We would love to join you for dinner next Friday.
Should: We should always recycle to help the environment.

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Isabella Claire

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