AAE Q54: 'should, could or would'

Hello

I´d ask you, that i have problem when is best to use should and when could or would.

Thank you very much

Tom


Hi Tom,

To answer you question specifically I need to know in what context you want to use these modal verbs. However for now here is a list of these three verbs and their usages (with example sentences)

Could:

1. Ability (past tense of can): He could run fast when he was a boy.
2. Polite request: Could I borrow your pen?
3. Suggestion: Maybe you could get a tutor to help you
4. Possibility/less than 50% certainty: Where's John? He could be home.
5. Impossibility (with negative only) : That couldn't be true!
   

Would:

1. Polite request: Would you please pass the salt?
2. Preference: I would rather stay home tonight
3. Repeated action in the past: As a child he would always obey his parents.
4. Polite for "want": I would like you to send me a brochure.
5. Unfulfilled wish: I would have liked a cookie, but there weren't any in the kitchen.
   

Should:

1. Recommendation/advisability: People with high cholesterol should eat low fat foods
2. Obligation: We should return the video before the video rental store closes.
3. Assumption/expectation/probability: Susan should be in New York by now.
   

If you have any further questions please ask.

Matt