I would if I could Seven things I would research By: Matt Smid.
BASIC ENGLISH (Would, Should, Could)
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BASIC ENGLISH What is the difference between can, could, might should, and ought? The difference depends on the context and situation. I will try to give you a very general idea, regarding the difference in meaning. Can: is used when asking or giving permission for someone to do something. Can you hold my bag for me? It focuses on ability for something to be done. Could: is very similar to can and can be used in most cases but it has a slightly different meaning or sense to it. “Could” refers to something that is not always possible. For example, If you ask someone "Can you lend me $20?" You are focusing on their ability to lend you the money. If you replace can for could and ask "Could you lend me $20?" It makes us think or feel like it is less likely to happen. Might: is often used to talk about the chance (or possibility) that something will happen or is happening. "You might not understand everything that I write in English but I hope so". Should: is dealing with obligation and deduction. When it is right to do something we say, you should do it. "We should drink lots of water and eat lots of fruit". In terms of deduction we can use should when we assume something according to what we know. If my Mum went out an hour ago, I might deduce that she should be home soon. Ought: is used the same way as should, but it is less popular in American English. In Canada, for example, we usually use "should". I hope that answers your question. You should try to used those
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Basic english; usage of would should and could
Transcript of BASIC ENGLISH (Would, Should, Could)
BASIC ENGLISH
What is the difference between can, could, might should, and ought?The difference depends on the context and situation. I will try to give you a very general idea, regarding the difference in meaning.
Can:is used when asking or giving permission for someone to do something.Can you hold my bag for me?It focuses on ability for something to be done.
Could:is very similar to can and can be used in most cases but it has a slightly different meaning or sense to it. Could refers to something that is not always possible. For example, If you ask someone "Can you lend me $20?" You are focusing on their ability to lend you the money. If you replace can for could and ask "Could you lend me $20?" It makes us think or feel like it is less likely to happen.
Might:is often used to talk about the chance (or possibility) that something will happen or is happening. "You might not understand everything that I write in English but I hope so".
Should:is dealing with obligation and deduction. When it is right to do something we say, you should do it. "We should drink lots of water and eat lots of fruit". In terms of deduction we can use should when we assume something according to what we know. If my Mum went out an hour ago, I might deduce that she should be home soon.
Ought:is used the same way as should, but it is less popular in American English. In Canada, for example, we usually use "should".
I hope that answers your question. You should try to used those words in context to get more comfortable using the words. You can email me again if you need more help.
ModalExampleUses
CanThey can control their own budgets.We cant fix it.Can I smoke here?Can you help me?Ability / PossibilityInability / ImpossibilityAsking for permissionRequest
CouldCould I borrow your dictionary?Could you say it again more slowly?We could try to fix it ourselves.I think we could have another Gulf War.He gave up his old job so he could work for us.Asking for permission.RequestSuggestionFuture possibilityAbility in the past
MayMay I have another cup of coffee?China may become a major economic power.Asking for permissionFuture possibility
MightWe'd better phone tomorrow, they might be eating their dinner now.They might give us a 10% discount.Present possibilityFuture possibility
MustWe must say good-bye now.They mustnt disrupt the work more than necessary.Necessity / ObligationProhibition
Ought toWe ought to employ a professional writer.Saying whats right or correct
Shall(More common in the UK than the US)Shall I help you with your luggage?Shall we say 2.30 then?Shall I do that or will you?OfferSuggestionAsking what to do
ShouldWe should sort out this problem at once.I think we should check everything again.Profits should increase next year.Saying whats right or correctRecommending actionUncertain prediction
WillI cant see any taxis so Ill walk.I'll do that for you if you like.Ill get back to you first thing on Monday.Profits will increase next year.Instant decisionsOfferPromiseCertain prediction
WouldWould you mind if I brought a colleague with me?Would you pass the salt please?Would you mind waiting a moment?"Would three o`clock suit you?" - "Thatd be fine."Would you like to play golf this Friday?"Would you prefer tea or coffee?" - "Id like tea please."Asking for permissionRequestRequestMaking arrangementsInvitationPreferences
Note:
Difference Between Will and WouldThe auxiliary verb 'Will' is used widely in particular sentences to convey an event that is definitely going to happen. For instance: 'I will do my homework tonight.' or 'I will go to the birthday party this Saturday'. An easier way to say it is: 'I am going to go the the birthday party this Saturday'.'Would', though, is used in sentences that is describing preferences, events that 'MIGHT' happen. For example: 'Would you like an ice-cream or a glass of milk?'. Alternatively, 'I would go if I did not wake up late.'Sometimes, for instance, the sentence as I mentioned before: 'I will go to the birthday party this Saturday' will become: 'I would go to the birthday party this Sunday IF it is not raining. Apparently, the word 'IF' has changed the auxiliary verb 'Will' to 'Would'.
