What is the difference between could and would?

Answer by  Binome (1975)

"Could" means that one is able to perform whatever action or activity is referenced. "Would" means that one has the desire to perform the indicated action or activity. For instance, "I -would- make money appear out of thin air, but I can't. " Or, "I could jump off a building, but I won't. "

Answer by  Brandon55 (1719)

Could is having the ability to do something while would is having the intention of doing so. The word "would" is a variation of the word will. Could comes from the word can.

Answer by  BrianSJ (524)

"Could" indicates the capacity of performing some action, whether that action is actually performed or not. "Would" indicates the willingness to perform that action, even if that action is not actually possible at this time. "I would like to heplp" indicates that you want to help; "I could help" indicates that you can.