How To Use Could, Would & Should in Real English Conversations | Learn English Podcast

[00:00:00]Michael, I have a quick question.

[00:00:02]>> Sure, Olivia. What's going on?

[00:00:04]>> Hmm.

[00:00:05]>> Yeah?

[00:00:06]>> I'm always confused between could, would, and should.

[00:00:11]>> Oh, really?

[00:00:12]>> Yes. I hear them all the time.

[00:00:14]>> Mhm.

[00:00:15]>> But I never know which one sounds right.

[00:00:18]>> Ah, that is exactly where many English learners get stuck.

[00:00:22]>> Exactly. Because sometimes people say, "Could you help me?"

[00:00:27]>> Right.

[00:00:27]>> And other times, "Would you help me?"

[00:00:30]>> Uh-huh.

[00:00:31]>> And then, "You should help me."

[00:00:33]>> Oh, wow. Yeah, those sound completely different.

[00:00:36]>> They do. And my brain just freezes.

[00:00:40]>> Haha, perfect.

[00:00:42]>> Perfect? Why is that perfect?

[00:00:44]>> Because today we are going to make it simple.

[00:00:47]>> Oh, I hope so.

[00:00:49]>> Trust me, after this lesson you will use them naturally.

[00:00:52]>> That would be a dream.

[00:00:54]>> Listen, Olivia. You do not have a vocabulary problem.

[00:00:58]>> I don't?

[00:00:59]>> No, you have a communication problem.

[00:01:02]>> Huh. A communication problem?

[00:01:05]>> Exactly. Today, you will learn how native speakers choose between could, would, and should.

[00:01:12]>> Awesome. Let's do it.

[00:01:14]>> But first, I need you to do something for me.

[00:01:17]>> Okay. What is it?

[00:01:18]>> Relax.

[00:01:20]>> Okay. Deep breath.

[00:01:23]>> Because there are no grammar rules today.

[00:01:25]>> Oh gosh, great.

[00:01:27]>> Why?

[00:01:28]>> Because I am terrible at grammar.

[00:01:31]>> Good.

[00:01:32]>> Good?

[00:01:33]>> Yes, good. Because this lesson is about conversation, not grammar.

[00:01:38]>> I love that already.

[00:01:40]>> We're going to paint pictures in your mind.

[00:01:43]>> Ooh, I like that. Visuals.

[00:01:46]>> Exactly. So, three small words.

[00:01:50]>> Mhm.

[00:01:50]>> Could.

[00:01:51]>> Right.

[00:01:52]>> Would.

[00:01:53]>> Yeah.

[00:01:54]>> Should.

[00:01:54]>> Only three?

[00:01:56]>> Yes, just three.

[00:01:57]>> They seem so small.

[00:02:00]>> They are, but they completely change the way people hear you.

[00:02:03]>> Wow, no way.

[00:02:05]>> Yes way. Let's dive into the first one.

[00:02:08]>> I am ready.

[00:02:09]>> Let's start with could.

[00:02:11]>> Okay.

[00:02:12]Could, c o u l d.

[00:02:16]>> Spot on. Now imagine a situation for me.

[00:02:20]>> Okay, my eyes are closed.

[00:02:22]>> You are at work. You are talking to a colleague.

[00:02:25]>> Mhm, got it.

[00:02:27]>> You want them to look at an email.

[00:02:29]>> Okay.

[00:02:30]>> Say this.

[00:02:32]Can you check this email?

[00:02:34]>> Can you check this email?

[00:02:36]>> Good. How does it feel?

[00:02:38]>> It feels normal, just a simple question.

[00:02:41]>> Right, simple, direct.

[00:02:44]>> Yes.

[00:02:45]>> Now listen to this one.

[00:02:47]>> I am listening.

[00:02:48]>> Could you check this email?

[00:02:51]>> Oh.

[00:02:52]>> Did you feel that?

[00:02:53]>> Wait, let me hear it again.

[00:02:55]>> Can you check this email versus could you check this email?

[00:03:00]>> Oh, wow. Yes.

[00:03:03]>> Tell me what you see in your mind.

[00:03:05]>> The first one, can, feels like I am wearing a t-shirt.

[00:03:10]>> Yes. And the second one?

[00:03:12]>> Could feels like I am wearing a nice sharp suit.

[00:03:17]>> Brilliant.

[00:03:18]>> It sounds more professional.

[00:03:20]>> Absolutely. Let's try some new situations.

[00:03:23]>> Okay, hit me.

[00:03:25]>> Imagine you have a big report.

[00:03:27]>> A big boring report, got it.

[00:03:31]>> Yes, you need your boss to read it.

[00:03:34]>> Okay.

[00:03:35]>> How do you ask?

[00:03:36]>> Could you review this report?

[00:03:38]>> Excellent, very polite.

[00:03:40]>> Nice.

[00:03:41]>> Now imagine you are very busy.

[00:03:44]>> Oh, I am always busy.

[00:03:46]>> You need someone to phone you later.

[00:03:49]>> Okay.

[00:03:50]Could you call me later?

[00:03:52]>> Perfect. Smooth.

[00:03:54]>> I like how smooth it feels.

[00:03:56]>> One more. You need to see the meeting times.

[00:03:59]>> Ah, okay. Could you show me the schedule?

[00:04:03]>> Spot on. Schedule, report, business.

[00:04:07]>> High-level stuff.

[00:04:09]>> Exactly. So, what is the real difference?

[00:04:12]>> Mhm, can is simple.

[00:04:15]>> Uh-huh.

[00:04:16]>> But could is polite and professional.

[00:04:18]>> Exactly. Could makes requests sound smoother.

[00:04:22]>> Smoother, like adding butter to bread.

[00:04:26]>> I love it. Yes, just smooth and easy.

[00:04:29]>> Okay, I get it. Could is my polite suit.

[00:04:33]>> You bet. Ready for the next one?

[00:04:35]>> Definitely. What is next?

[00:04:37]>> Now we enter part two.

[00:04:39]>> Part two, bring it on.

[00:04:42]>> We are going to look at would.

[00:04:44]>> Ah, would, would.

[00:04:47]>> Yes. Now, let's paint a new picture.

[00:04:50]>> Okay, my imaginary paintbrush is ready.

[00:04:54]>> You walk into a nice hotel.

[00:04:57]>> Ooh, fancy.

[00:04:59]>> Yes, five stars. You go to the front desk.

[00:05:02]>> Mhm.

[00:05:03]>> You say, "I want some information."

[00:05:06]>> Oh, um >> What is wrong?

[00:05:09]>> That sounds a bit rude.

[00:05:11]>> Exactly.

[00:05:13]>> It sounds like a child saying, "I want candy."

[00:05:16]>> Perfectly said. It is too direct.

[00:05:19]>> So, how do I fix it?

[00:05:21]>> Listen carefully.

[00:05:23]>> Okay.

[00:05:24]>> I would like some information.

[00:05:27]>> Wow.

[00:05:28]>> Feel the difference?

[00:05:29]>> Oh my gosh, that sounds much better.

[00:05:32]>> Right?

[00:05:32]>> It is like night and day.

[00:05:35]>> Let's practice it in real life.

[00:05:37]>> Okay.

[00:05:38]>> You need to see a doctor.

[00:05:40]>> Right.

[00:05:41]>> How do you ask for a time?

[00:05:43]>> I would like an appointment.

[00:05:45]>> Excellent.

[00:05:46]>> Wow, that felt really natural.

[00:05:49]>> It does. Now, imagine you're a customer.

[00:05:52]>> Okay, I am a customer.

[00:05:54]>> You are buying a car, but you need to know more about it.

[00:05:57]>> Oh, okay.

[00:05:59]I would like more details.

[00:06:01]>> Boom, spot on.

[00:06:03]>> Awesome.

[00:06:04]>> Now, you're in a meeting.

[00:06:06]>> Right.

[00:06:07]>> You have something to ask.

[00:06:09]>> I would like to ask a question.

[00:06:11]>> Brilliant. Appointment, details, customer service.

[00:06:16]>> All very professional.

[00:06:18]>> Yes. Now, let's look at a choice.

[00:06:21]>> A choice?

[00:06:22]>> Yes. Imagine you are the host.

[00:06:25]>> Okay, I am hosting a party.

[00:06:28]>> No, you are hosting a business client.

[00:06:31]>> Ah, back in the suit. Got it.

[00:06:33]>> Yes. You ask them this.

[00:06:36]>> Okay.

[00:06:37]>> Do you want more details?

[00:06:39]>> It sounds okay.

[00:06:41]>> But, compare it to this.

[00:06:42]>> Mhm.

[00:06:44]>> Would you like more details?

[00:06:45]>> Oh, yes.

[00:06:47]>> Why? What is the difference?

[00:06:49]>> Do you want feels like a fast food restaurant.

[00:06:53]>> [laughter] >> Yes.

[00:06:54]>> But, would you like feels like a private office.

[00:06:58]>> Exactly. Would is the polite choice.

[00:07:01]>> The polite choice. I love that.

[00:07:04]>> Could is the polite request.

[00:07:06]>> Right. Could you help me?

[00:07:08]>> And would is the polite choice or polite want.

[00:07:11]>> I would like some coffee.

[00:07:13]>> You are getting it perfectly.

[00:07:14]>> This is actually fun. No grammar rules.

[00:07:18]>> I promised you, didn't I?

[00:07:19]>> You did, and you kept your promise.

[00:07:22]>> So, we have a clear picture of could.

[00:07:24]>> Yes, smooth and professional.

[00:07:26]>> And we have a clear picture of would.

[00:07:28]>> Yes, respectful and polite.

[00:07:31]>> Are you ready to see what happens next?

[00:07:33]>> You mean the third word?

[00:07:34]>> Yes.

[00:07:35]>> I am so ready. What do we do with should?

[00:07:39]>> Ah, should is a completely different story.

[00:07:42]>> Really?

[00:07:43]>> Oh, yes. It changes the whole game.

[00:07:46]>> I am excited. Tell me.

[00:07:48]>> Welcome to part three, Olivia. Let's talk about should.

[00:07:53]>> Should, s h o u l d.

[00:07:57]>> Exactly. Now, let's create a new problem.

[00:08:01]>> Oh, no. A problem?

[00:08:03]>> Yes. Imagine you were talking to me after a long day.

[00:08:08]>> Okay.

[00:08:09]>> You say, "I am always tired after work."

[00:08:13]>> I am always tired after work, which is actually true.

[00:08:17]>> I hear you.

[00:08:19]>> So, what do you say to me?

[00:08:21]>> I say, "You should get more sleep."

[00:08:24]>> Oh, you should get more sleep.

[00:08:27]>> How does that feel to you?

[00:08:29]>> It feels warm, like a friend talking.

[00:08:32]>> Yes.

[00:08:34]>> It does not feel bossy at all.

[00:08:36]>> Spot on. Let's look at real life.

[00:08:39]>> Okay, hit me.

[00:08:41]>> Someone says, "My head hurts."

[00:08:44]>> Ah.

[00:08:45]>> You say, "You should drink more water."

[00:08:48]>> You should drink more water.

[00:08:50]>> Excellent.

[00:08:52]>> It feels so helpful.

[00:08:54]>> Another one.

[00:08:55]"I want to be healthy."

[00:08:57]>> You should exercise regularly.

[00:08:59]>> Brilliant.

[00:09:01]>> Nice.

[00:09:02]>> Now, try this.

[00:09:03]"I am always late."

[00:09:05]>> Oh, you should organize your time.

[00:09:08]>> Perfect. Health, productivity, lifestyle.

[00:09:11]>> This is great vocabulary.

[00:09:14]>> Now, let's talk about the true power of should.

[00:09:16]>> The true power?

[00:09:18]>> Yes. What is the actual meaning?

[00:09:21]>> Mm, it means you have to do it?

[00:09:24]>> Ah, wait.

[00:09:26]>> Oops. Is that wrong?

[00:09:28]>> Yes. Should is not pressure.

[00:09:30]>> Oh, I see.

[00:09:32]>> Should is not a command.

[00:09:34]>> Not a command. Got it.

[00:09:36]>> Should is just helpful guidance.

[00:09:38]>> Helpful guidance, like a compass.

[00:09:41]>> Wow, that is a beautiful visual.

[00:09:43]>> [laughter] >> Thanks.

[00:09:45]>> It really is. It points you in the right direction.

[00:09:48]>> I love that. Should is an advice compass.

[00:09:51]>> Absolutely. You are giving advice.

[00:09:54]>> Just helpful advice.

[00:09:55]>> Now, Olivia, we reach the most important part of the lesson.

[00:09:59]>> Oh my gosh, I am nervous.

[00:10:01]>> Do not be. This is the smart comparison.

[00:10:04]>> The smart comparison. Okay.

[00:10:08]>> We will look at the same situation.

[00:10:11]>> Right.

[00:10:12]>> But with different feelings.

[00:10:13]>> Okay, I am ready.

[00:10:15]>> First, a request.

[00:10:17]>> Mhm.

[00:10:18]>> Can you review this report?

[00:10:20]>> Simple t-shirt.

[00:10:21]>> Could you review this report?

[00:10:23]>> Professional suit.

[00:10:25]>> Exactly. Now, a desire or want.

[00:10:29]>> Okay.

[00:10:30]>> I want more information.

[00:10:32]>> Childish and direct.

[00:10:34]>> I would like more information.

[00:10:36]>> Polite and respectful.

[00:10:38]>> Spot on. Finally, advice.

[00:10:41]>> Okay, advice.

[00:10:43]>> Get more sleep.

[00:10:44]>> Ouch, that sounds like an angry boss.

[00:10:48]>> You should get more sleep.

[00:10:50]>> A warm, helpful friend.

[00:10:52]>> Same ideas.

[00:10:53]>> Different feelings.

[00:10:55]>> Exactly.

[00:10:57]>> Wow, that just clicked in my brain.

[00:11:00]>> I told you, no grammar rules.

[00:11:03]>> Just feelings and pictures.

[00:11:05]>> Let's test your skills now.

[00:11:07]>> Uh-oh, a test?

[00:11:09]>> It is a fun test. Welcome to the mistake lab.

[00:11:13]>> The mistake lab sounds dangerous.

[00:11:16]>> Haha, we are going to fix broken English.

[00:11:20]>> I have my safety goggles on. Let's do it.

[00:11:23]>> Good. Fix this sentence for me.

[00:11:25]>> Okay.

[00:11:26]>> I want appointment.

[00:11:29]>> Oh, no, that is bad.

[00:11:31]>> How do we fix it?

[00:11:33]>> I would like an appointment.

[00:11:35]>> Boom, perfect.

[00:11:37]>> Nice. Give me another one.

[00:11:39]>> You must exercise every day.

[00:11:42]>> Wait, what? That sounds way too aggressive.

[00:11:46]>> Exactly. Fix it.

[00:11:48]>> You should exercise regularly.

[00:11:50]>> Brilliant.

[00:11:51]>> That feels so much better.

[00:11:54]>> You are doing great.

[00:11:55]>> I feel really confident.

[00:11:58]>> Good, because now we put it all together.

[00:12:01]>> All three words?

[00:12:03]>> Yes, in a real-life dialogue.

[00:12:06]>> Okay, paint the picture for me.

[00:12:08]>> You are at a corporate company.

[00:12:11]>> Fancy office, got it.

[00:12:13]>> You are organizing a training meeting.

[00:12:16]>> Okay.

[00:12:17]>> You walk up to a colleague.

[00:12:19]>> Right.

[00:12:20]>> You need the schedule. What do you say?

[00:12:23]>> Could you send me the schedule?

[00:12:25]>> Smooth. Now, you tell them what you want to do.

[00:12:29]>> Okay.

[00:12:30]>> About the training plan.

[00:12:32]>> I would like to discuss the training plan.

[00:12:35]>> Excellent. Now, give them a helpful tip for the meeting.

[00:12:39]>> Oh, um >> Tell them to get ready.

[00:12:42]>> You should prepare before the meeting.

[00:12:45]>> Wow, just wow.

[00:12:47]>> Did I do it?

[00:12:48]>> You just used all three perfectly without thinking.

[00:12:51]>> Oh my gosh, I actually did.

[00:12:53]>> Could you send me the schedule?

[00:12:55]>> I would like to discuss the training plan.

[00:12:58]>> You should prepare before the meeting.

[00:13:00]>> That sounds incredibly professional.

[00:13:03]>> And very natural.

[00:13:04]>> No confusing grammar.

[00:13:06]>> Just pure communication.

[00:13:09]>> I completely love it.

[00:13:11]>> Let's do a quick mental summary to lock it in.

[00:13:13]>> My brain is ready.

[00:13:15]>> Could equals >> Polite request.

[00:13:18]>> Would equals >> Polite want or choice.

[00:13:22]>> Should equals >> Helpful advice.

[00:13:26]>> You nailed it.

[00:13:27]>> Thank you. This makes so much sense now.

[00:13:31]>> Remember this golden rule, Olivia.

[00:13:33]>> I am listening.

[00:13:35]>> Good English is not just correct English.

[00:13:39]>> Mhm.

[00:13:39]>> It is polite English.

[00:13:42]>> Polite English. I will never forget that.

[00:13:46]>> That is exactly how native speakers connect.

[00:13:49]>> Not with strict rules.

[00:13:51]>> Exactly, with the right feeling.

[00:13:54]>> You definitely solved my communication problem today.

[00:13:57]>> I am so glad to hear that.

[00:13:59]>> I can finally drop the t-shirt and wear the suit.

[00:14:03]>> Absolutely.

[00:14:05]>> So, what is next for our listeners?

[00:14:07]>> Now, it is their turn to practice.

[00:14:10]>> Oh, yes. Homework.

[00:14:12]>> But fun homework.

[00:14:14]>> Exactly. What should they do?

[00:14:17]>> We want you to go down to the comments right now.

[00:14:19]>> The comment section below?

[00:14:22]>> Yes. Write three sentences for us.

[00:14:25]>> Only three?

[00:14:26]>> One sentence using could.

[00:14:28]>> Make it a polite request.

[00:14:30]>> One sentence using would.

[00:14:32]>> Tell us what you would like.

[00:14:34]>> And one sentence using should.

[00:14:36]>> Give us some good advice.

[00:14:38]>> We are going to read them all.

[00:14:40]>> Totally. I cannot wait to see your examples.

[00:14:43]>> Because practice makes perfect.

[00:14:46]>> Indeed.

[00:14:47]>> And if this lesson helped you today, >> which I am sure it did, >> make sure to hit that subscribe button.

[00:14:54]>> Subscribe and like.

[00:14:56]>> Yes. Drop a like to support the channel.

[00:14:58]>> It helps us bring you more visual lessons.

[00:15:02]>> More vocabulary. No confusing rules.

[00:15:05]>> You bet.

[00:15:06]>> Thank you so much for joining us today.

[00:15:08]>> Thanks, Michael. This was awesome.

[00:15:10]>> You did a fantastic job, Olivia.

[00:15:12]>> See you in the next lesson, everyone.

[00:15:15]>> Keep practicing your polite English.

[00:15:17]>> And remember, >> Yes?

[00:15:19]>> you should always smile.

[00:15:21]>> Aha. perfect use of should.

[00:15:24]>> Thank you.

[00:15:25]>> Catch you later.

[00:15:26]>> Goodbye everyone. See you.