Modal verbs like would and should can be confusing for new English learners. In this blog post, we will learn the clear difference between these two important verbs. Both are used to talk about advice, actions, or possibilities, but they are used in different ways. This simple lesson will guide you through their meanings, correct usage, and helpful examples to improve your grammar and communication. Let’s begin and understand how to use them the right way.
What is Would?
Would is used to:
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Talk about past habits
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Make polite offers or requests
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Speak about imaginary or unreal situations
Examples of Would:
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I would visit my grandma every Sunday. (past habit)
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Would you like some tea? (polite offer)
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If I were rich, I would travel the world. (unreal condition)
What is Should?
Should is used to:
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Give advice or suggestions
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Talk about what is right or expected
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Express duty or responsibility
Examples of Should:
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You should sleep early. (advice)
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We should help the poor. (duty)
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They should be here by now. (expectation)
Would vs. Should
| Use Case | Would | Should |
|---|---|---|
| Advice | Not commonly used | You should study more. |
| Polite Offer/Request | Would you like a drink? | Not used |
| Past Habit | I would walk to school. | Not used |
| Imaginary Situation | If I were you, I would wait. | Not used |
| Duty or Responsibility | Not used | We should obey the rules. |
| Expectation | Not used | He should be at work now. |
Would vs. Should
Example Sentences Using Would
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I would love to visit London one day.
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He would call me every weekend.
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She would go jogging every morning before work.
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They would help us if they had time.
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We would buy that house if it were cheaper.
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Would you like some tea?
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I would be happy to assist you.
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He said he would arrive at 5 PM.
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I would never lie to you.
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She would often read before sleeping.
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If I had money, I would buy a car.
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Would you mind opening the window?
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He would get angry if he knew the truth.
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I would rather stay home tonight.
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They would always visit us during holidays.
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She would go out more if she wasn’t so busy.
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I would do anything to help my family.
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We would have finished earlier if you had helped.
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He would study all night before the exams.
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Would it be okay if I came later?
Example Sentences Using Would
Example Sentences Using Should
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You should drink more water every day.
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We should leave early to avoid traffic.
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He should apologize for being rude.
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She should see a doctor.
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They should follow the rules.
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Students should respect their teachers.
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I should study for my test tonight.
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You should be more careful.
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We should help those in need.
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He should call his parents more often.
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You should not smoke.
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Children should go to bed early.
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She should learn to drive.
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You should try the new restaurant.
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He should work harder in class.
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I should bring an umbrella today.
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They should not waste food.
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We should thank her for her help.
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You should take a break and relax.
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Everyone should be kind to others.
Example Sentences Using Should
Common Mistakes with “Would” and “Should”
| Mistake | Correct Usage |
|---|---|
| I should go if I had time. | I would go if I had time. |
| You would eat healthy food. | You should eat healthy food. |
| He should like some coffee. | Would he like some coffee? |
Practice Exercise
Fill in the blank with would or should:
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You ______ be more careful while driving.
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I ______ visit the museum if I had time.
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______ you like something to drink?
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She ______ exercise regularly to stay healthy.
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If he studied harder, he ______ pass the exam.
✅ Answers:
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should
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would
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would
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should
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would
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