what is the actual meaning of "would" and "could"? (lemmy.ca)

submitted 6 months ago* (last edited 6 months ago) by kionite231@lemmy.ca to c/asklemmy@lemmy.world

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hii,

I am learning English for around 5 years and I still can't comprehend the meaning of "would" and "count" in some context. are they just past form of "will" and "can"?

"would you like coffee" means a person is asking if you liked coffee in past? "I would do it" means I did it in past?

I really don't understand since my language doesn't have anything like those words.

Edit: Thank you for answering my naive question :)

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[-] jordanlund@lemmy.world 2 points 6 months ago

Would is more definitive than could in most cases.

"That sounds like something Jim would do."

"I don't think Kevin would ever do that."

But when phrased as a question, "Would you like coffee?" it's asking your preference, again, a definitive yes/no.

Could is less about definitive fact, and more about possibilities.

"Yes, I could see Jim doing that."

Did he do it? Did he not do it? Unknown, but the possibility is there.

"No, I don't think Kevin could do that."

Is it POSSIBLE Kevin did something? It's possible, but the speaker finds it unlikely.

this post was submitted on 16 Jun 2024

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