English, asked by Sooryanash, 1 year ago

what is the differnce between could and would

Answers

Answered by 16aleena28
0
these are modals☺☺☺☺☺☺

Sooryanash: i am asking the difference in their usage
16aleena28: ok
Answered by yuiharune
2
But I would suppose that “would” is more polite, because it expresses the idea of probability, and of willingness, and of the desire that something be done, whereas “could” is more in the realm of ability (yes I can).

And according to the American Heritage Dictionary, “would” is used to make a polite request. But then again, a similar thing is said about “could”: “Used to indicate tentativeness or politeness. I could be wrong. Could you come over here?”
Now, as far as I’m concerned, it becomes then a matter of context and tone. Look at the difference between these two sentences, for example:

Would you do me a favor?

Would you please just shut up.

And even “will” could be used interchangeably with “would” or “could.”

Perhaps “could” and “would” are just both vying for what is a sort of awkward subjunctive mood, trying to put a command into the mode of the hypothetical, to increase the possibilities of expression—toward either politeness or irony (e.g., changing the tenor of “Please close the door”)


Sooryanash: ok
yuiharune: is this enough or you want more info
Sooryanash: more if you can
yuiharune: ok
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