What's the difference between could and should?
In a contextualized example, what's the difference if I say "We could see each other more often" or "We should see each other more often"?

I'd like to see more examples, if possible.

Thanks in advance.

Question

What's the difference between could and should?
In a contextualized example, what's the difference if I say "We could see each other more often" or "We should see each other more often"?

I'd like to see more examples, if possible.

Thanks in advance.

Answer

Here, Could = possibility and Should = suggestion
We could go to the beach = It's possible for us to go to the beach.
We should go to the beach = I suggest that we go to the beach

Another example:  You could steal some candy from the store, but should you?

Answer

"Could" implies that there is a possibility, with not consequences or obligations.
"Should" implies that something ought to be done, that there is a possibility that will have consequences if you don't do it.

Let"s look at some examples:

"I could go to Disney Land tomorrow. I've wanted to go for a while." — This implies that there is a possibility that the speaker will to go to Disney Land. There are no consequences if he/she doesn't go, he/she just may want to go.

"I should go to Disney Land tomorrow. My son wants to go, and we will only be in Orlando for 3 more days." — Here the speaker feels obligated to go to Disney Land because her son wants to go, and if she doesn't go there may not be another opportunity.

"I should study for tomorrow's test" — here there are consequences, if you don't study you may fail.

"I could play basketball this afternoon, I have nothing else to do." — Here shows that there is a possibility to play basketball.

In its basic usage, the difference between using "could" and "should" is wanting to express either possibility with or without consequences.

I hope that helped!

Answer

Plenty other good answers so I'll comment in here.
Could = is it possible - or is it possible
"Could you pass the salt please?" - "You could have passed the salt"
Should = is it advisable/it is advisable
"You should see your mother in hospital"
"Should I come with you?"
-

Like they say in Jurassic Park, "You spent so much time thinking about how you could bring back these dinosaurs, you didn't think of if you should!" (paraphrasing).

Answer

could means something you are sure you can do
should means something you are suppose to do

for example
I could study for my test tomorrow (meaning you're able/can study for the test tomorrow)
I should study for my test tomorrow. (meaning you're suppose to study for the test tomorrow)

But neither "could" or "should" means you're actually going to do it
hope it helps

Answer

"Could " is weak, "Should" is strong. When use "could", it shows your desire to meet the other person is not strong!

Answers · 5

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