31/1/22 19:36 CyberTeachers® de Berlitz®

Would/could

Introduction

We use 'would' and 'could' to make polite requests.

Could you please bring me a glass of water?

Would you prefer the window or the aisle seat?

Would you be able to call me tomorrow?

Form

The words 'would' and 'could' do not change.

Could

could + subject
Could I...?

Could you...?

Could he/she/it...?

Could we...?

Could you...?

Could they...?

Would

would + subject
Would I...?

Would you...?

Would he/she/it...?

Would we...?

Would you...?

Would they...?

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Use

Polite requests
Could you close the door?

Could I use your pen?

Could we go to the supermarket before the cinema?

Could you tell me how to get to the train station?

Would I be able to help?

Would you bring me my book, please?

Would John and Sarah like to come with me?

Would we be able to come?

Offering and inviting

Use 'would' to offer someone something:

Would you like a drink?

Would you like to go shopping?

Use 'would' to invite someone somewhere:

Would he like to go to the beach today?

Would you be interested in coming to my house tonight?

Would like

Use 'would like' instead of 'want'. 'Would like' is more polite:

I would like a table for four at 8:00 pm.

I would like a cup of tea, please.

'Would' has a contracted form. We CANNOT say 'it'd'.

I'd...
You'd...

He'd/She'd/It would...

We'd...

You'd...

They'd...

They'd like to go home now.

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I'd like some books about the moon, please.

We'd like three sandwiches, please.

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