when to use this word
2007-03-14 05:23:23 · 10 answers · asked by anonymous 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
I would have given you an answer, if only you could have written a more coherent sentence.
Note both are used conditionally.
2007-03-14 05:30:50 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
" I would if I could , but I can't " or "would have , could have, should have..." both of these phrases express regret at a decision made by the speaker who wishes she/he had made a different choice of action. Like " hindsight is 20/20 " ,meaningthat, looking back, they could see perfectly well that they made a mistake and wish they hadn't !!!
2007-03-22 04:17:11 · answer #2 · answered by Mimzybythesea 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
WHn you use would have you are telling what you would have done if you were in a different situation or if you had the chance to.....Could have is used whenyou are given the oppotrunity to do somtehing but you choose not to.
2007-03-20 05:03:03 · answer #3 · answered by GApeach 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is two thirds of an old phrase used when someone gives an excuse that they were going to do something. The retort is, "Would have, could have, should have."
Have a nice day.
2007-03-18 05:19:30 · answer #4 · answered by Philly in NYC 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
That's a screwy way to ask a question. If I underatand what you're asking, you use "would have" if you could have but didn't (were stopped for some reason). "Could have" means you were capable of doing something, but you wouldn't necessarily have tried to.
Like "I could have climed the tree." and "I would have climbed the tree but a huge dog kept me away."
2007-03-14 05:35:33 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
There is a slang expression: it is based on "would have could have should have" --
"woulda-coulda-sholda"
(woodacoodashooda) meaning having second thoughts after the fact.
2007-03-21 16:42:29 · answer #6 · answered by poweranni 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Would have--indicates a condition not met
Could have--indicates the capability to seize an opportunity not taken
EXAMPLES:
I would have graduated, but I failed math. (Passing math was a condition for graduation, but that condition was not met or fulfilled. There is no implication of capability to pass math however.)
I could have graduated, but I failed math. (There was an opportunity to pass math and you had the capability to do it, but you blew it.)
2007-03-14 05:40:51 · answer #7 · answered by oldprof 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would have done something, if I wanted to do it but something prevented me. I have the desire, but not the opportunity.
I could have done something... I have had the opportunity to do something.
If you could have done it, would you have done it?
2007-03-14 05:36:01 · answer #8 · answered by MamaMia © 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Don't Know.
2007-03-21 12:41:21 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
would have could have should have ...but didn't!
2007-03-21 05:55:36 · answer #10 · answered by purple toes 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋