2. Once I get that job, I think I could afford
a new car!
If I had the money, I would buy a new car.
You really should buy a new car!
What’s the meaning of the following
sentences?
3. Once I get that job, I think I could afford
a new car.
The speaker believes he /she may be able to buy a
new car in the future.
Could is used to express future
possibilities
4. When I was younger, I could run a mile
in 10 minutes.
The speaker talks about his abilities in the past
(when he was young).
Could is also used to express abilities in
the past
5. If I had the money I would buy a new car.
The speaker is expressing an action that is
dependant on a condition that does not exist (he
doesn’t have the money).
Would is used to express unreal
(hypothetical) situations
6. You really should buy a new car!
The speaker is making a suggestion.
Should is used to ask for or give advice
and suggestions
7. Don’t use “to” after should, could,
and would:
Once I get that job, I think I could afford a
new car!
If I had the money, I would buy a new car.
You really should buy a new car!
8. “could”, “would” or “should” ?
1. Tom has helped you a lot.
You ________ pay him for
some of the work he has done.
9. “could”, “would” or “should” ?
1. Tom has helped you a lot.
You should pay him for some of
the work he has done.
10. “could”, “would” or “should” ?
2. I ________ talk to him about
the job, but I am too nervous.
11. “could”, “would” or “should” ?
2. I would talk to him about the
job, but I am too nervous.
12. “could”, “would” or “should” ?
3. You have a big test
tomorrow. You really _______
study for it!
13. “could”, “would” or “should” ?
3. You have a big test
tomorrow. You really should
study for it!
14. “could”, “would” or “should” ?
4. I _______ not help him
because I didn’t have the
money!
15. “could”, “would” or “should” ?
4. I could not help him because
I didn’t have the money!
