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Jacko Posted 23 years ago
Grammar

When to use "can" and "could", "will" and "would"

I know the distinction of the two with regards to tenses, but I know that these words, especially could and would have special uses. I am guessing that would is likely to be used when asking a huge favor (e.g. "Would you do this?").
  

Top answer

Hi Jacko, im not a teacher, but i am a native speaker.. The difference is so slight, it's all about how it's been associated over the years.. Would seems to be more formal, could is more common..

— Jason13_32

  • Hi Jacko, im not a teacher, but i am a native speaker..
  • The difference is so slight, it's all about how it's been associated over the years..
  • Would seems to be more formal, could is more common..
  • Could you explain yourself further (ok) Would you explain again (Sounds a little formal, or impolite, sharper) Could you get that for me?
  • (More common) Would you get that for me?
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17 Answers
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Hi Jacko, im not a teacher, but i am a native speaker..

The difference is so slight, it's all about how it's been associated over the years.. Would seems to be more formal, could is more common..

Could you explain yourself further (ok)
Would you explain again (Sounds a little formal, or impolite, sharper)

Could you get that for me? (More common)
Would you g
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"grapes is plucked from the trees", In this sentence is the verb correct
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It should be "Grapes ARE...." (grapes is plural)
Plucked is normally used for taking feathers off a chicken and also for removing eyebrow hairs (with tweezers).

The correct sentence should be:

Grapes are picked from the vines.
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0well mr native speaker i still dint understand the diffrence050010id12
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0You can use both "can" and "could" but depending on the situation like native speaker stated, you can be formal or be blunt. Its up to you. 0-
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cud u plz tell d difference between may and might. i ve seen both being used. it might rain today. it may rain today. i may go. i might go. all sound proper. how to decide what to use when. i m having difficulty in teaching my 12 yr old son in his english subject though i know fairly gud deal of this language.
sanjay
mumbai, india
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mr.native speaker still i couldn't understand you pls some help me to clear my confusion of when to use will,would,shall,should,can,could and pls let me know if my these sentences are right or wrong
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i think yes because it is simple past tense and the subject is not mentioned here so "is" is also used correctly
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not sure whether u could open the attached file or not.
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English is my second language.. I think the difference of could and would.. is

Could= stating if it is possible to do a thing or can be use when asking permission

would=stating an action with willingness or intention to do a thing
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