AEE 241: Could You Listen? Would You Listen? You Should Listen!

Do you have trouble using English modals?

Today, Lindsay and Michelle give you three crazy role-plays to understand when to use should, could and would!

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Correct use of modals like should, could and would can be confusing.  All three deal with time and possibility, and all three involve telling or asking someone to do something.

Should describes the strong possible likelihood of something.  It is also used to give advice.

“I should arrive on time.”

“You should apply for the job.”

Could describes a possibility in the past or the future.  It can also be used as a polite request.

“She could have eaten dinner already.”

“Could you pick me up at the airport?”

Would is most commonly used to make a polite request.

“Would you like to come with me?”

“Would you ask him about the book?”

How can you use should, could and would?

Give us some examples in the comments section below!