What is the proper use of “would” or “could” in sentence structure? For example, would you please close the door? Or, could you please close the door?

A. I don’t see much difference. 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”).

Lala, could you move this to the FP?

Can you please close the door, all English na english

join dem together at once......woulda coulda

Trash

So what is the difference in plain words? Stop dancing upandan. "You suppose" means you ain't even sure.

How many will LEARN from this?

Everyone is a professor in Nigeria.

Na for English ooo...
The will be confusing us all the time

American english is confusing but sexy

1. Would goes with desire

I would love to, I would like to, I would want him to

2.For politeness.( formal)


Would you mind telling me where I can get to the nearest police station?


Would you do me a favour

3. To preserve the future.


I would buy bread if she bought butter.

I would call her if she texted me.

4. For imagination.

Use would for imagination or for wishes

I would be a superstar when I grow up.( you ain't a super star yet, but you are preserving the future)


5. Use would for opinions or result or emphasis.



She would look good in that pink dress.


Giving her a flower would make her happy.

6. When you are not sure of something, use "Would"

I think she would be at home by this time. ( you are just 30% sure but will makes it 100%sure)


When someone refuses to do something or refutes something, use "Wouldn't"

She wouldn't want to say her name.

He wouldn't like his name to be known.

He wouldn't want to pass the ball to me.

He wouldn't want to talk to me.

Finally, when talking about a past tense use "would"

She said that she would call me.

I told you I would go back to the library yesterday.



Use "will" for promises, possibilities and eagerness.

I will come to your house tomorrow ( Very sure)

I will let him go if you do me a favour.

It will rain very soon. ( the cloud is dark, thi is 100% )

Could is the past tense of can.

I couldn't find her book yesterday.


for possibilities in the past.

I could run swim when I was 10 years old.



For polite request.


Could you cut out the paper for me?



Can is the present tense.

For ability

I can do it


I can take her home

For informal request

Can you call her for me?


Can I ask a question? ( May seems to be the best here )

May I ask a question?




Don't forget we have two types of English.

The US and the UK.

US example : The police is your friend

UK example: The police are your friend.


But the better way to say it should be:


The policeman is outside

The policemen are outside.

I would if I could but I can't so I won't.
But when I can, I will!

3 like for you op, you did!

Kylekent59:
1. Would goes with desire

I would love to, I would like to, I would want him to

2.For politeness.( formal)


Would you mind telling me where I can get to the nearest police station?


Would you do me a favour

3. To preserve the future.


I would buy bread if she bought butter.

I would call her if she texted me.

4. For imagination.

Use would for imagination or for wishes

I would be a superstar when I grow up.( you ain't a super star yet, but you are preserving the future)


5. Use would for opinions or result or emphasis.



She would look good in that pink dress.


Giving her a flower would make her happy.

6. When you are not sure of something, use "Would"

I think she would be at home by this time. ( you are just 30% sure but will makes it 100%sure)


When someone refuses to do something or refutes something, use "Would"

She wouldn't want to say her name.

He wouldn't like his name to be known.

He wouldn't want to pass the ball to me.

He wouldn't want to talk to me.

Finally, when talking about a past tense use "would"

She said that she would call me.

I told you I would go back to the library yesterday.



Use "will" for promises, possibilities and eagerness.

I will come to your house tomorrow ( Very sure)

I will let him go if you do me a favour.

It will rain very soon. ( the cloud is dark, thi is 100% )

Could is the past tense of can.

I couldn't find her book yesterday.


for possibilities in the past.

I could run swim when I was 10 years old.



For polite request.


Could you cut out the paper for me?



Can is the present tense.

For ability

I can do it


I can take her home

For informal request

Can you call her for me?


Can I ask a question? ( May seems to be the best here )

May I ask a question?




Don't forget we have two types of English.

The US and the UK.

US example : The police is your friend

UK example: The police are your friend.


But the better way to say it should be:


The policeman is out side

The policemen are outside.

Damn man!
You took your time with this one.
You would make a fine teacher.

Thanks OP quite enlightening

Joystark:



Damn man!
You took your time with this one.
You would make a fine teacher.

Yea bae. I am gonna quit Nairaland tomorrow, so let me just spend much time with some posts before saying bye.





By 2035 my ban would have expired and I would be back.

There are many different usage of both words but in simple language for asking questions,
Can > Could > Ability to do something. Could is the past or polite form of can - Could you pass me the salt please?
Want > Would > Desire, willingness to do something. Would is the condition or polite form of Want - Would you like some biscuits with your tea?

Kylekent59:
1. Would goes with desire

I would love to, I would like to, I would want him to

2.For politeness.( formal)


Would you mind telling me where I can get to the nearest police station?


Would you do me a favour

3. To preserve the future.


I would buy bread if she bought butter.

I would call her if she texted me.

4. For imagination.

Use would for imagination or for wishes

I would be a superstar when I grow up.( you ain't a super star yet, but you are preserving the future)


5. Use would for opinions or result or emphasis.



She would look good in that pink dress.


Giving her a flower would make her happy.

6. When you are not sure of something, use "Would"

I think she would be at home by this time. ( you are just 30% sure but will makes it 100%sure)


When someone refuses to do something or refutes something, use "Wouldn't"

She wouldn't want to say her name.

He wouldn't like his name to be known.

He wouldn't want to pass the ball to me.

He wouldn't want to talk to me.

Finally, when talking about a past tense use "would"

She said that she would call me.

I told you I would go back to the library yesterday.



Use "will" for promises, possibilities and eagerness.

I will come to your house tomorrow ( Very sure)

I will let him go if you do me a favour.

It will rain very soon. ( the cloud is dark, thi is 100% )

Could is the past tense of can.

I couldn't find her book yesterday.


for possibilities in the past.

I could run swim when I was 10 years old.



For polite request.


Could you cut out the paper for me?



Can is the present tense.

For ability

I can do it


I can take her home

For informal request

Can you call her for me?


Can I ask a question? ( May seems to be the best here )

May I ask a question?




Don't forget we have two types of English.

The US and the UK.

US example : The police is your friend

UK example: The police are your friend.


But the better way to say it should be:


The policeman is outside

The policemen are outside.

Great teacher

Once you understand what anyone says then he or she is right. Could you please like this?

LordObo, what a name

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Qualification & Experience
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- Essential Selling Skills will be an added advantage
- High ICT literacy
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