Could have done, would do?

Question

Hi, I would like to get a clear explaination on when exactly do I use the following, I could have done that I would do that Thanks in advance

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

Welcome to EnglishForward!

It's impossible to tell all the circumstances in which to use these sentences. There are too many situations!

If you observe that someone has done something and you believe that in their place you would have been equally successful, you can say "I could have done that". You did not do it, but you could have done it. You had the ability to do it.

Suppose you are told that there are books on the table - that this is unexpected. You are asked, "Did you place the books on the table?" Suppose your memory is not at all good. You can't remember if you put the books on the table or not. Maybe someone else placed the books there. But you admit that it is possible that you were the one who put the books on the table, saying, "I could have done that".

If you are told that a friend of yours jumped from a plane (using a parachute, of course), and you find such a thing an attractive activity for you as well, you can say "I would do that" to show that you enjoy such activities.

Suppose someone asks you the proper way to approach the boss. "Should I write a letter about this problem, or should I speak to the boss personally?" You can suggest the better course of action like this: "Speak to him personally. I would do that."

It's not much, but it's a start.

Hanagy · Answer

Thank you, it surely helped.
if you can give more examples, that will be great

CalifJim · Answer

Go into Google and search on

English grammar modals

You will find lots of material there which can help.

Could have done, would do?

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬