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Would, Could & Should

Date: Oct 20 2008

Topic: Grammar

Author: Lesmundo2003

Lesson

 This causes some confusion as to when these words are used.

Here is a brief outline & some examples.


 __ DECISION __

I would buy a house, if I have the money.

If I had €1,000,000 - I would buy that house now. 


 __ ABILITY __

I could buy a house, if I have the money.

If I had €1,000,000 - I could buy that house or any other house.


 __ MORALITY / CORRECTNESS __

I should really give some of the money to my family & then buy a house.

---------------------


In requests & replies:


Would you do carry this heavy bag for me? (I give you the choice)

Yes, as you ask in such a nice way, I will.


Could you do carry this heavy bag for me? (Are you able to do this?)

No I couldn’t, because my back is still hurting.

OR: Maybe I could. It depends on where you live.


Could (or would) you do take that bag from the old woman?

I don't think I should. That's stealing.

-----------//----------


In statements:


 I would learn Chinese, if I had a use for it.


I could learn Chinese, if I had someone to talk with.


I should learn some Chinese, as I am going to live there.

---------------------


I would pay for the tickets to the concert, if they were a better group.


I could pay for the tickets to the concert, if I buy them after I get paid.


I should buy the tickets before Wednesday, so that we get good seats.


Comments

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journalist_26

Turkey

would you like to drink ?

05:39 PM Mar 27 2011 |

秋日de私语

秋日de私语

China

Aha?Learn  Chinese?good.

10:22 AM Jan 24 2011 |

u064240

u064240

United Arab Emirates

good job

keep writing   and we we are  learning

 

regard

Ahmed

07:15 AM Apr 07 2009 |

Lesmundo2003

Spain

ohhh – it's been so long since I did a lesson – I didn't put a pic up  :-(

11:05 AM Oct 21 2008 |

Lesmundo2003

Spain

I very glad you are the first  :-)

My other 'fans' are welcome too. 

07:37 AM Oct 21 2008 |

xiaoxiao1219

China

Hey, I'm here - the first one who learn this article here. You first fan :))))

01:39 AM Oct 21 2008 |

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