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Newguest Posted 18 years ago
Grammar

could/would

Hi

Is there a big difference in meaning if I use either "could" or "would" in the sentence below:

1. I could/would buy a nice house if I had a better salary.

Also, is it better to use "were" or "was" in the sentence below:

1. I wish my desk wasn't/weren't so small I wish my computer wasn't/weren't so old.

Thanks
  

Top answer

Hi Newguest. Newguest Hi Is there a big difference in meaning if I use either "could" or "would" in the sentence below: 1. I could/would buy a nice house if I had a better salary.

— Fandorin

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9 Answers

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Hi Newguest.
NewguestHi

Is there a big difference in meaning if I use either "could" or "would" in the sentence below:

1. I could/would buy a nice house if I had a better salary.

Also, is it better to use "were" or "was" in the sentence below:

1. I wish my desk wasn't/weren't so small I wish my computer wasn
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Thanks

but I think that "wasn't" is also OK Emotion: wink
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It's rare used. But you're right, it's also possible. Emotion: wink
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NewguestIs there a big difference in meaning if I use either "could" or "would" in the sentence below:

1. I could/would buy a nice house if I had a better salary.
The question is "What do you consider a big difference?"
In this context, could = would be able to, so could implies would as well as ability.
I
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Hi

In short: I would buy a nice house if I had a better salary is incorrect, right?

thanks
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NewguestI would buy a nice house if I had a better salary is incorrect, right?
No. Not incorrect. Where did you get the idea it was incorrect?
CJ
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CalifJim
Note:

This is logical: I could buy a nice house if I had a better salary, but I wouldn't. I would spend my money on something else.

This is absolutely illogical to the point of absurdity: I would buy a nice house if I had a better salary, but I wouldn't. I would spend my money on something else.

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I could buy an expensive car, if I had a lots of money, but I wouldn't, because I would prefer to invest them into local business.

I would buy an expensive car, if I had lots of money. (It's likely that he buys in case he has a lots of money.)

I would buy an expensive car, if I had lots of money, but I wouldn't . (It's illogical because he said things which
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Now I get it Fandorin.

Thanks guys.
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