Would've, Could've, Should've

by Vocafy Verified

English (US) B2 12 questions Words & expressions

Explore everyday American remarks about past choices, missed chances, and expectations through three common contractions.

1. 1. Listen and type the answer.

   An unexpected change in the weather. Past modal forms use the spellings would've, could've, and should've.

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   • I should've brought a jacket. It's colder than I expected.

   Should've expresses regret about a past choice: bringing a jacket would have been a better decision.

2. 2. Listen and type the answer.

   Finding a better parking spot too late. Past modal forms use the spellings would've, could've, and should've.

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   • We could've parked behind the restaurant. There were plenty of spaces.

   Could've describes an available option that wasn't used. It doesn't necessarily mean the original choice was wrong.

3. 3. Listen and type the answer.

   Work gets in the way of a social plan. Past modal forms use the spellings would've, could've, and should've.

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   • I would've joined you if I hadn't been working.

   Would've shows willingness under different circumstances. The if-clause explains what prevented the person from joining.

4. 4. Listen and type the answer.

   A delivery is taking longer than expected. Past modal forms use the spellings would've, could've, and should've.

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   • We paid for express shipping, so the package should've arrived by now.

   Should've can express an expectation, not just regret. Here, the faster shipping service makes arrival seem overdue.

5. 5. Listen and type the answer.

   An errand that could have helped a friend. Past modal forms use the spellings would've, could've, and should've.

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   • I could've picked up your groceries if you'd told me. I was already at the store.

   Could've describes help that was possible but didn't happen. The speaker had the opportunity but lacked the information.

6. 6. Listen and type the answer.

   A plan is blocked by unavailable tickets. Past modal forms use the spellings would've, could've, and should've.

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   • I would've bought tickets, but the show was sold out.

   A sentence with would've doesn't always need an if-clause. The sold-out show explains why the intended purchase never happened.

7. 7. Listen and type the answer.

   Looking back on a decision about social media. Past modal forms use the spellings would've, could've, and should've.

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   • You should've asked her before posting that photo.

   Directed at another person, should've can sound critical. Here, it points to a missed responsibility to ask permission.

8. 8. Listen and type the answer.

   A risky driving decision causes concern. Past modal forms use the spellings would've, could've, and should've.

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   • You could've hit someone when you backed out without looking. Luckily, no one was behind you.

   Could've can describe a possible bad outcome. The second sentence confirms that the harm did not actually happen.

9. 9. Listen and type the answer.

   A guest explains a considerate choice. Past modal forms use the spellings would've, could've, and should've.

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   • We would've stayed for dinner if you hadn't seemed so tired.

   Hadn't seemed describes the opposite of what the guests noticed. Their impression of the host's tiredness influenced their decision.

10. 10. Listen and type the answer.

    Someone suggests a reason for a missed meeting. Past modal forms use the spellings would've, could've, and should've.

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    • He could've misunderstood the meeting time; nobody actually confirmed it with him.

    Here, could've offers an uncertain explanation about the past, rather than describing an unused opportunity.

11. 11. Listen and type the answer.

    A team reflects on recognition and fairness. Past modal forms use the spellings would've, could've, and should've.

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    • We should've credited Maya for the idea, even though we did most of the work.

    Even though introduces a contrast: doing most of the work doesn't remove the responsibility to recognize someone else's idea.

12. 12. Listen and type the answer.

    Important information arrives after a commitment. Past modal forms use the spellings would've, could've, and should've.

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    • I would've changed my mind if she'd raised that concern earlier, but by then we'd already signed the contract.

    By then marks a point when the decision was already final. In she'd and we'd, 'd stands for had because it is followed by a past participle.