Could or would

Question

What is the difference between the using could and would? And which word should I use?For example: could show show me how to do this; would you show me how to do this.Thank you

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

AnonymousWhat is the difference between the using could and would?

Very often "could" contains the idea of "would" within it.

Sometimes,

could you? = would you be able to?

So "could" = "would" + "able".

You can ask "Would you show me ...?" (or, "Please show me ...", which is almost the same thing), or you can be more indirect and ask if someone has the ability to show you: "Could you show me ...?"

If they take your question literally, they can reply "Yes, I would be able to show you, but I am not going to show you"! But if they know how English speakers make requests indirectly by asking someone if they have the ability to do something, they will take it to mean the same as "Would you show me ...?" .

In short, there is little difference, but "could" is a little more indirect than "would".

CJ

Anonymous · Answer

Thank you so much for your detailed explanation. So in what cases do you suggest I use would and could? Is one more politer than the other?

Also, doesn't the word 'can' also mean if someone has the ability compared to could? Is could the willingness of the world can?

CalifJim · Answer

AnonymousIs one more ~~politer~~ polite than the other?

Yes. The more indirect, the more polite. So 'could' is more polite than 'would' when asking a favor. Adding 'please' also increases the politeness. 'would' is by no means impolite, however. It's just a little more direct.

AnonymousAlso, doesn't the word 'can' also mean if someone has the ability compared to could?

No. The comparison you want is between 'can' and 'will'. These correspond to 'could' and 'would'. So if you want to be very direct, you can use 'will'. 'can' is not so direct as 'will'. 'will' is not used much, if at all, when asking a favor. It's too direct. Both of these are less polite (more direct) than 'could' and 'would'.

CJ

Anonymous · Answer

Thank you so much. There are also other meanings and ways for using each of the four words (can, could, will, would). Right?

CalifJim · Answer

AnonymousThere are also other meanings and ways for using each of the four words (can, could, will, would). Right?

Yes. Many more uses for those words.

CJ

Could or would

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