grammar

[bearosen]

Can you tell me which is the difference between WOULD and COULD?

and

When do I have to use them?


Thank you!

[Wholeman]

That one is easy.

Could insinuates that you have the ability.

Would means that you can, but you aren't going to or are being asked to do something.

Example:

I would explain further, if I could.

Would you hold this hammer for me?

Could you hold this hammer for me?

The first one means, will you do this?

The second one means, do you have the ability to do this?

I would lift up that truck with my bare hands. (I have the desire to lift that truck with my bare hands.)

I could lift up that truck with with my bare hands. (I have the ability to lift up that truck with my bare hands.)

Wholeman
The Twisted TG-Fiction Author