Modal Verbs Should, Could, Would

Modal Verbs Should, Could, Would

Hello English learners. Welcome to a new lesson. We will discuss the use of the modal verbs should, could, would.

Should

We use the modal verb should to ask or give advice and suggestions.

• You should never hitchhike on your own.
• ‘I feel a bit dizzy.’ ‘You shouldn’t go to work. You should go to the doctor.’
• What should I make for dinner?
• Should I wear a white shirt or a blue shirt with this skirt?

We use should’ to express expectation: we expect something to be true or to happen.

• The train’s arrival should be confirmed 30 minutes before entering the station.
• The doctors should encourage their patients to exercise and eat healthily.
• The new tax law should solve many problems.

Should is also used to express strong agreement.

• ‘Look at those clouds. It’s going to rain.’ ‘I should think so, too.’
• ‘The new windows will make the house soundproof.’ ‘I should hope so.’

Learn about modal verbs of advice – SHOULD, OUGHT TO, HAD BETTER

The modal verbs Should, Could, Would

Could

Could is a past form of can. It is used to express ability in the past.

• I could swim when I was 5.
• They searched for half an hour but they couldn’t find the keys.
• It was so quiet that they could hear the steps in the street.
• Although she tried really hard, Lorna couldn’t stop the water coming in.

It is also used as a polite way of asking someone to do something for you (requests)

• Do you think you could look after our cat while we’re away?
• Could I borrow your car tonight? Mine’s broken.
• Could you turn down the TV? The baby’s sleeping.
• Could you come round to our place tonight? We’re having a party.

We use could to give suggestions:

• You could do the washing up and I could vacuum the floor.
• You could put the desk by the window so you have a better view.
• Do you think you could bring your girlfriend over? We’d like to meet her.

Read about the modal verbs CAN, COULD, BE ABLE TO

The modal verbs Should, Could, Would

Would

The modal verb would is used to make polite offers.

• Would you like a cup of tea?
• Would you like to have a drink after work?

It is also used to say how different things would be if something had happened.

• What would you do if you had more free time?
• Please don’t open the window because it would be very cold.
• If I didn’t become a journalist, I would be a writer.

We can use would to talk about repeated past actions or a past habit.

• Our mother would make pancakes for us at weekends.
• I would stay up all night learning when I was a student.

We use would in phrases like would like/would love/hate … to show preference.

• Many people would like to be more adventurous.
• My parents would love to go on their second honeymoon.

Learn how to use would have, could have should have

Modal verbs should, could, would

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