Correct Use of COULD and WOULD | What's the Difference? | Modal Verbs in English Grammar
Learn how to use the modal verbs COULD and WOULD correctly in this lesson. Also see - MOST COMMON MISTAKES IN ENGLISH & HOW TO AVOID THEM: • 50 MOST COMMON MISTAKE...
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Transcript:
Many people are confused about the
correct use of ‘could’ and 'would’.
In this lesson, I will teach you
how to use these two modal verbs
without mistakes. There is a quiz
at the end of the video to test
your understanding. OK, there are
three main differences between
‘could’ and ‘would’ that you need
to know. So let’s start with the
first one: This is in the use of
the past tense. ‘Could’ is the past
tense of ‘can’ and ‘would’ is the
past tense of ‘will’. Take this
sentence: “I can run a mile in 10
minutes.” This means I have this
ability (to run a mile within 10
minutes). This is in the present
tense but we can change it to the
past by saying “I could run a mile
in 10 minutes when I was younger.”
It means I had the ability in the
past but I don’t have it now. In
this next example: “I know we will
win the match.” So maybe we’re on
the same team, and I tell you “I
know we will win.” I’m confident.
But if the match happened in the
past (it’s already finished), and I
want to say that I was confident, I
can say “I knew we would win the
match.” Here, ‘will’ becomes
‘would’. This is the first
difference. The second difference
relates to talking about possible
situations and imaginary
situations. Take this example: “It
could rain tonight.” So I look at
the sky and I see clouds. And I
make a prediction about the future.
Here’s another sentence - “John
isn’t answering his phone. He could
be busy.” That is I’m saying that
it’s possible that he’s busy.
Notice that in both of these
sentences, ‘could’ is not a past
tense form - it’s just used to show
possibility. But I cannot use
‘would’ for this purpose. So, these
are possible situations, but when
we talk about imaginary situations,
we prefer to use ‘would’. For
example, “If I had a million
dollars, I would buy a beach
house.” Again, don’t be confused by
the past tense. We say “If I had”
and “I would buy” because we want
to show that this is imagination -
it’s not reality (I don’t have a
million dollars). Here’s another
example: “If Shirley worked hard,
she would get a promotion.” This
means she doesn’t work hard (she’s
lazy), so she’s not going to get a
promotion. Now, in both of these
sentences, we can use ‘could’ to
show imaginary ability but it’s
less common. ‘Would’ is used a lot
more when it comes to imaginary
situations. This is the second
difference. Let’s now move on to
the third and final difference -
and this is in polite expressions.
There are four functions that are
important for us - making
suggestions, offers, requests and
asking for permission. First, to
make suggestions, we normally use
‘could’ as in this example: “We
could try that new Italian
restaurant.” So imagine that we’re
planning to have dinner together
and I make this suggestion. Here,
using ‘would’ is wrong. But to make
an offer, we prefer ‘would’. For
example: “Would you like some tea?”
That means, I have tea and I’m
asking you if you want some. Here,
we cannot use ‘could’. But making
requests is different because it is
possible to use both ‘could’ and
‘would’. For example, “Could you
open the window, please?” You can
also say, “Would you open the
window, please?” although this is
very formal and polite. However, we
also sometimes use “Would you
mind…” as in “Would you mind
opening the window?” This is a
request, but this phrase is fixed -
you cannot say “Could you mind…?”
And when we ask for permission,
again there are expressions with
both ‘could’ and ‘would’. For
example, “Could I borrow your car
for a couple of days?” Maybe I’m
saying this to a friend, so I’m
asking my friend for permission to
use his or her car. I can also say,
“Would it be OK if I borrowed your
car for a couple of days?” or
“Would you mind if I borrowed your
car for a couple of days?” ‘Would
you mind’ can be used to ask
permission as well. Notice that
when we use ‘would it be OK if’ or
‘would you mind if’, we use the
verb in the past tense -
‘borrowed’, but that’s just a
grammar rule - we’re still asking
for permission for the future.
Alright, these are the differences
between ‘could’ and ‘would’, and if
you’re ready, it’s now time for the
test. There are eight sentences on
the screen. In each one, I want you
to choose the correct word -
‘could’ or ‘would’. Stop the video,
think about your answers, then play
the video again and check. Alright,
here are the answers. Let me know
how many you got correct in the
comments.
I was going for bed,but something was going on my head So I couldn't sleep at all.. because I couldn't find out the difference between could and would.. thank you so much
Same i was also going for sleep but one thing which was frustrating me is the difference between Could and Would. But sir explained very well 👍 And now i could sleep better.
@@harrysidhu239 same here
Sorry to bother but its not going for sleep but going to sleep.
👍
Same here I always get confused
Might = possibilities Would = imaginary things, permissions Could = request, permissions
@Grand Master Yoda May-Might Can-Could Will-Would
thankx
Thank u man ☺
So couldnt fetch to server & wouldnt fetch to server is same?
Actually I couldn't fetch should be used in this case, you couldn't fetch might be because of the circumstances. But i wouldn't fetch is totally wrong, it sounds like I will not fetch, sounds like you could fetch but you willingly didn't. If I had to say this... If I could fetch, I would've, but I couldn't do it😫 might be because you encountered a problem. On other hand , if I would fetch, i could've done it ) simply means you could do it but you didn't.. isn't it ?
1 Could is past tense of can - a. Past tense b. Possible situation C. Polite experience * Making suggestions * Making requeste * Asking permission 2. Would is past tense of will A . Post tense B. Imaginary situation C. Polite experience * Making offers * Making requeste * Asking for permission. Thank you so much sir it's really helpful 🙏
Thank you 😊
Hi kavery …it’s amazing you written in one line …would you like to write all formulas of other modal verbs too?
Thanks for saving my time. Otherwise I would have to write all the points manually on the notepad. Simply copy pasted it. Thanks.❤
Very smooth and clear explanation of the matters! I learn a lot from your tutorials! God bless you!
8/8 Thank you. I came across your teaching videos just recently and I find them very useful. You teach in a very clear and an easy to understand manner. I always found English grammar lessons very boring and mostly learnt the correct usage of the language from reading novels. If someone asked me questions on English grammar, I wouldn't have a clue. I have been searching for interesting grammar lessons on an off for a very long-time. I would watch a few videos and then I get bored but I find your videos so interesting. When I am trying to send emails or write something, I am often doubtful if I got the grammar right and have to google if the usage is right. Hopefully, if I watch your videos regularly, I could steadily improve my grammatical skills and eliminate doubting my grammatical knowledge.
You are a ROCKSTAR sir 🙋 I think the great thing was that you not only mentioned how to use these two modals but also you clarified what is right and what shouldn't we use. Thanks ....
Mr Ganesh - This is a valuable KZhead channel because i could get to know some of problem areas in English. Wish you all the best and keep on going. From Sri Lanka
Your way of explanation is truly amazing...❤️ I was struggling with models badly but it's you who made me clear when to use which one... My score :- All of them were correct!!!😊
Crystal clear! Thank you very much.
I really appreciate you. I was hesitant to use could/would. After getting your video i am able to correct usage could/would. Since a long time I was searching the correct using could/would.Finally i got it. Thanks you so much.
Thank you very much for the transcript. As a hearing impaired person it is easier then close caption that distracts from any watching & the small close caption. Thank you for your time to help us use correct English
Thanks . I love the way you explain it’s clear . I learn when to use could and would because of your tutorial. Thanks again .
I am learning and you are a good teacher !!! I like the way you explain in your teaching! Thankyou Garrison.
his name is Ganesh not garrison
I got 8/8. Before i started watching your videos, i thought like i don't have a potential to learn english. but when i start watching your videos everything has changed to bottom. Thanks a bunch.
I'm glad to hear that. Great job with the quiz :)
when i started watching*
Me too.
I was really unaware of these differences. Thank you so much Sir for making me clear about this❤️🙏
I'm watching with you sir, this month of Feb. 2020. I hope you will continue to apload your english lesson and I'm waiting for your new.Pls. don't stop to upload in your channel, your'e such a tremendous teacher for me. Your discussion are very comprehensive and i love it. Thanks a lot sir..
Your way of teaching is excellent sir. I have been watching your videos since 2 weeks , 1 video each day and that's makes a huge impact on understanding proper use of grammar as per the diffrent condition . I don't have words to appreciate your work..Thanks alot...keep going and touch each topic in this domain..
I really like the way of your teaching, you explain everything quite nicely thanks alot
Thank you Sir, for clearing my doubt.
Thank you so much for this videos, I do have a english phobia, however you helped me alot in learning English.
For the first time, I really understood the difference. And, what a great accent!
👍👍👍
I can't thank you enough for this. Such a clear & lucid lesson. Wonderful pronunciation & a good eloquent speech. I got 8/8. Well, I gotta practice more. Thank you again Sir ♥
I never found anyone teaching like you, I mean you're very good teacher and I'm glad to follow you everyday, thanks alot👌
Great lesson - as usual - well paced and clearly explained. I'd like to add something. When making a request, without using the word please, you should use the formal 'would you'. This is because if I asked the question, "Could you open the window?" the response could be: "Yes, I am able to open the window." You will see the confusion in relation to can you / will you. This potential misunderstanding is eliminated when using the formal 'would'.
You are amazing! I love your videos and I can´t thank you enough for helping us speak English fluently and correctly.
Cheers :)
Thank you so much sir I got 7
8/8
Thankyou so much..for making these kinds of video for us..
It really appreciable for such a meaningful & extraordinary deliver, thanks a lot sir.
This was so helpful!! Thanks a lot. You really have special teaching skills.
Your teaching style is easy to grasp. Thank you teacher for the impressive presentation.Btw I scored 8\8
I have got 8 out of 8.in my opinion, your are the only teacher on youtube whom i can understand easily. After watching your class everything i can make sense in my mind. Keep it up dear ❤️
Man you are perfectly explaining the difference! Thanks!
I really like this clip ,with a short practice .Thank you for making this clip to help people
This is by far the clearest explanation on the differences between 'could' and 'would'. Thank you !
I would like to learn this more plz
Thank you so much sir.now I understood the usage of "could" "would".
No you don’t what’s the difference between possibilities and imaginary how could you choose on of them if you don’t know about it
@@penguins647 huh? What are you talking about bruh ^-^
Omg. Such an easiest method.. A colossal thankyou ❤my favorite.
The teacher like you I was looking for to study the English language. Thanks
Thank you so much
Good way of learning everything you teach i understand 100% thank you sir.
You are a really good teacher, Sir... I got all the questions correct in the test.
Today I can properly understand the difference between could and would.Thank you so much for such a good informative video😊😊
I could not find a channel that discusses English better than this one. Huge thanks to you, sir. You really helped me a lot in understanding English. God bless you!
Your lessons are great and those gave me lot of advantages when speaking without comprehending on grammar more fluency improvement videos please
Hello sir. Thank you so much for this helpful video. It has helped me a lot to understand where to use "could and would". I've always been confused about it. Really appreciated
Oh well, sir what can I say about your teaching? It's marvellous. THANKS for teaching us.
I love this guy. He is really helping us out.
Hello i'm so happy to find this channel, you're very good explaining.
Thank you so much sir, first time i have understood from your lecture about would vs could
Sir you are the best teacher and all of your lessons are so interesting ,mesmarizing
great sir i really like your class please post more class
if i had a chance to meet you i would be happy moreover the way you teach us is quite interesting
Wow ! Amazing sir ! Now i quite know how to use would and could. Before watching this video, i always confused between the use of would and other models. Thank you so much sir, thanks a lot.
Very very simple teaching with wonderful examples.
congratulations because you answer all. This is amazing
Thank you, Zoei :)
@@LearnEnglishLab I am confused with 3rd question.
Ohhh,,, it is first time I am relaxed after watching the tutorial
Got all correct too! Thank you for your guidance Sir.
I always confused with this , but now i already knew . Thank you so much sir.
Yes! I answered all of those questions correctly 😜🤘
You're the best teacher never ever seen enywere
*anywhere
Thank you sir i think this is the best way to explain confusion about in this could would i understand easily as you teached
Beautiful teacher with beautiful knowledge also Good Art of teaching.... So much beneficial for us.. Thanks a lot I have correctly answered 7 .. Sentences
Dear Teacher thanks so much for all your lessons here, specialy this one. I am watching from Angola 🇦🇴🇦🇴. Thank you so much once again. 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Sir thanks for this lecture.could and would concept of me totally cleared
Honestly I don't understand the rule.. But I was able to solve all of them... By guessing, what suits the best.
That means you don't need learn grammer i think You are already good at speaking
You could still misuse those words, if don't master it, you should repeat the video till you can finally form your own sentences with the rules.
Thanks for this video appreciate it cos i want to leard how to speak or write right grammar ur content help me alot,
Hi, Sir, I thank you for your videos, I would like to watch them without missing a single video. and I share too many people because it's a very much useful link, I never understand grammar but watching your video the way you teach is excellent.
I am regular visitor of your channel. your presentation is nice, concise and informative. would you mind to make a video on vocabulary improvement.
I'm happy to hear that, Sudhanshu. Vocabulary development is my next lesson - I'll put it out tomorrow or Saturday :)
That will be nice, keep it up thanks
Learn English Lab thank you so much sir would you mind making a video on some daily vocabulory and conservation i am waiting😊
Learn English Lab I am waiting too for your next lesson on vocabulary.
my english is very very poor how to make good $ strong please suggest me my first lesion
I've got all of them correct. I found your video intresting.
Your video is helpful. Thanks. I would 😃like to continue learning from here.
I have seen so many videos, but this one is so easy to understand and all my doubt about could or would has clear now. Thankyou so much sir😊
Thank you! I got 6/8
I also 10/11
Wow 8/8...!! Thank you Sir. .. great content
Great job, Abdul :)
I can understand while others talking with using words like would and could but I couldn't talk adding the words like could and would in between the sentence... Now it's very clear in this video when to use could and would words
If I had not come across your video, I WOULD not learn this. I COUlD not have to watch this twice, it was so simple and easy-to-understand.
Sir we can also use,it might or may rain tonight in possible situation then when to use could, may, might in possible situation
May / might used of probability Can / could used for possibility
I got a perfect score. I find this helpful.
I couldn't get 7th questions, anybody help?
@@ercan5624 watch 3:57 carefully
Professor Ganesh; Thank- you very much. For all your help. As matter of Fact: This Lesson is Excellent for me to Correct my Mistakes.
Thank you teach, it was a clear and concise lecture.. sometimes, i am so hesitant to use this modals cause i might sound incorrect however You have cleared my doubts... nwei more way to go for me...
I liked test segment. 7 out of 8 write answer I gave
Great job :)
I got 7/8 I like your teaching!!!
Mee too😀
Firstly I thought the video is in English and it would be difficult for me as compared to other videos in Hindi language. But when i started watching, it gradually cleared my all doubts. Thanku so much Sir❤️❤️
Thank you so much sir for giving us knowledge in youtube which is easily to remember and understand rather than school. keep it up ❣♥️
Hi sir i am confused " should +be " When to use modal with 'be' In some sentence modal +be+ v3 is used like The decision should be based on facts.
me to hai
V3 is used with should have ,would have
I’m a Mexican gurl so I know English and Spanish but I need to learn more so thx so much. :)
Thank you. Good clear explanation.
Thank you very much for making it very simple for me.
8/8 thank you sir Btw i love to see how nicely your vids are always put up
I'm happy to hear that, Karan. Great job with the quiz :)
Thanks sir awesome video.By the way i got 8 out of 8.
Great job, Himanshu :)
clear class ..everyone can understand easily...thank u
Hi g m sir .all my doubts are cleared from ur 5 min video abt these modals.n I hv got all the answers correct.it shows u have been a great teacher to teach a better English for ur students.thnq have a wonderful day 🌹.
Thank u so much sir, I got 7/8.
Good job, Shilpa :)
shilpa Nikunjan
😂😂😅
Same
Same
Would and could makes me so confused!!!.I can’t keep it in mind😣
Yaa even i am being confused of those two
Thanks sir ... I feel so happy nowadays. .beacuse I m hearing your videos and my grammar is also ok ...with seen and learn your video
Yes at first time I answered all questions correctly thanks for explaining us it helps a lot
Sir in question number 6, if we could use, can instead of 'could'.
It's possible but it's better to use 'could' to make suggestions :)
Thanks a lot, sir.
super sir l understand your videos very clearly
8 out of 8
you are the best teacher of English in the world , believe me you ! I tried many..in this test lesson I scored full marks because of you..
Yes I was confused too..but now it's little bit easy for me to differentiate !!Tq sir🙏
Wohoooo I got all right....!! 💃 yesss 💪💪
Great job :)
Sir I got my all answers correct
Great job :)
I want to improve my personal skills with the help of your videos...Thank you sir .