When to Use Will/Would, Shall/Should, and Can/Could in English

The correct usage of will, would, shall, should, can, and could can be quite challenging for learners of English. Understanding the nuances and contexts in which these modal verbs should be used is crucial for effective communication. This article aims to clarify the usage of these modal verbs with detailed examples and explanation.

A. When to Use Would

A.1. Past Tense of Will and Going to

A.1.1. We often use would as a past tense of will or going to:

Even as a boy he knew that he would succeed in life.

I thought it would rain so I brought my umbrella.

A.1.2. In reported speech, would is used to indicate past intentions or predictions:

She said that she would buy some eggs.

The candidate said that he wouldn't increase taxes.

Why didn't you bring your umbrella? I told you it would rain!

A.1.3. Would not is used for past refusals:

He wanted a divorce but his wife would not agree.

Yesterday morning the car would not start.

A.1.4. Would can also express habitual past behavior, similar to used to:

Every weekday my father would come home from work at 6 pm and watch TV.

Every summer we would go to the seaside.

A.1.5. Would can express future possibilities in the past.

In London she met the man that she would one day marry.

A.2. Future in the Past

We use would to describe a future event that did not occur in the past:

In the 1950s, it would be common for wives to stay at home while husbands worked.

A.3. Conditionals

A.3.1. We often use would when expressing second and third conditionals:

If he were to lose his job, he would have no money.

If I had won the lottery, I would have bought a car.

A.3.2. In conditionals, would is used to give advice:

I would not eat that if I were you.

If I were in your place, I'd refuse.

If you asked me, I would say you should go.

B. When to Use Will

B.1. Will is used to speak about future actions with the infinitive form:

Sara will leave later.

B.2. Will is also used to make promises:

I promise I will do my homework.

I promise you I won't stay out too late.

B.3. Will is used for requests and offers:

Will you help me study this evening?

Yes, I will!

C. When to Use Shall

C.1. Affirmative form: Shall typically comes first in the verb phrase after the subject and before another verb:

I shall post it to you tomorrow.

We shall meet him next week.

Note that shall is rarely used with you in British English, except in a few fixed expressions.

Key Takeaways

This article has covered the usage of will, would, shall, should, can, and could.

Key Points to Remember:

Will for future actions: Sara will go to the park. Would for past intentions, conclusions, and advisory conditionals: She said that she would go to the park. Shall in affirmative statements: I shall go to the park. (Note: mostly with first person singular and plural in British English) Should for advice, recommendations, or obligation: She should go to the park. Can and could for abilities, possible actions, and possibility: I can do it, we could go to the park.

By mastering these modal verbs, you can enhance your command of English and improve your ability to communicate effectively in various contexts.