What context can I use each word in?

Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!

would

Example

I would love to go to the beach this weekend. [would: auxiliary verb]

Example

When I was younger, I would always play soccer with my friends after school. [would: past tense]

Example

Would you mind passing me the salt, please? [would: modal verb]

could

Example

I could run a mile in under 10 minutes when I was in high school. [could: auxiliary verb]

Example

If I had more time, I could learn how to play the guitar. [could: conditional verb]

Example

Could you please help me carry these boxes? [could: modal verb]

Definitions of would and could

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Key differences and similarities of would and could

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Good things to know

Which word is more common?

Could is more commonly used than would in everyday language. Could is a more versatile verb that can be used in a wider range of contexts, while would is more specific and less commonly used.

What’s the difference in the tone of formality between would and could?

Would is generally considered more formal than could, which is more commonly used in casual conversation and informal writing.