Distinguishing Between Should & Could

Should vs Could

Should and Could are two modal verbs in English that have different meanings and usage. The modal verb should is typically used to express a sense of ‘have to,’ indicating definite advice, duties, or obligations. On the other hand, the modal verb could is used in sentences that convey requests or suggestions. In this article, you will find definitions and examples of the usage of the two words, should and could.

What does Should mean?

The modal verb should is generally used to mean ‘have to.’ Consider the two sentences below:

I should get it in the morning.

She should make it possible.

In both sentences, the modal verb should is used to mean ‘have to,’ resulting in the meanings ‘I have to get it in the morning’ and ‘she has to make it possible.’ The first sentence is a suggestion or advice, while the second sentence speaks about a duty or obligation.

Additionally, the verb should is sometimes used in a peculiar sense of ‘if,’ as in the sentence ‘should you get it today, the work can get over,’ meaning ‘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. Consider the two sentences below:

Could you please tell me your address?

Could you give me your pen?

In both sentences, the auxiliary verb could is used to make a request. The following examples show the usage of could in making suggestions:

You could go to the mall with me.

She could braid her hair if she wants to look nicer.

It is noteworthy that the auxiliary verb could is also used as the past tense form of the verb ‘can,’ as seen in the sentences below:

I could do it easily.

She could not do it.

What is the difference between Should and Could?

• The modal verb should is typically used to mean ‘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 sometimes used in a peculiar sense of ‘if.’

These are the differences between the two verbs, should and could.

Key Takeaways

• Should is used to express a sense of ‘have to,’ indicating advice, duties, or obligations, while could is used for requests or suggestions.
• Could also functions as the past tense form of the verb ‘can.’
• Should is sometimes used in a peculiar sense of ‘if.’