Should vs Could
Should and Could are two modal verbs in English that show difference between them when it comes to their meanings and usage. The modal verb should is normally used in the sense of ‘have to’. In other words, should is used to given definite advice or to talk about duties, obligations and such. The modal verb could is used in sentences that make a request or a suggestion. This is the main difference between the two modal verbs, namely, should and could. In the following article, you will be able to observe definitions and examples of the usage of the two words, should and could.
What does Should mean?
The modal verb should is normally used in the sense of ‘have to’. Observe the two sentences given below.
I should get it in the morning.
She should make it possible.
In both the sentences, you can find that the modal verb should is used in the sense of ‘have to’ and hence, the meaning of the first sentence would be ‘I have to get it in the morning’, and the meaning of the second sentence would be ‘she has to make it possible’. If we look at for what type of instances should is used in these sentences, we can see that in the first sentence the speaker is making a suggestion or giving an advice to himself or herself. In the second sentence, the speaker is speaking about a duty or an obligation of this ‘she.’
On the other hand, the verb should is used sometimes in a peculiar sense of ‘if’ as in the sentence ‘should you get it today, the work can get over’. In this sentence, the verb ‘should’ is used in a peculiar sense of ‘if’ and hence, the meaning of the sentence would be ‘if you get it today then the work can get over’.
What does Could mean?
The modal verb could is used in sentences that make a request or a suggestion. Observe the two sentences given below.
Could you please tell me your address?
Could you give me your pen?
In both the sentences, the auxiliary verb could is used to make a request. Have a look at the following examples.
You could go to the mall with me.
She could braid her hair if she wants to look nicer.
In both the examples given above, the word could is used to make a suggestion. In the first one a suggestion to go to the mall is done. In the second, the suggestion of braiding the hair is done.
It is interesting to note that the auxiliary verb could is also used as the past tense form of the verb ‘can’ as in the sentences given below.
I could do it easily.
She could not do it.
In both the sentences, you can find that the verb could is used as the past tense form of the verb ‘can’.
What is the difference between Should and Could?
• The modal verb should is normally used in the sense of ‘have to’.
• The modal verb could is used in sentences that make a request or a suggestion.
• Could is also the past tense form of the verb can.
• The verb should is used sometimes in a peculiar sense of ‘if.’
These are the differences between the two verbs, should and could.