Usage of 'could' and 'would'

Question

I'm not a native English speaker, and the use of could and would always confuses me. Could someone please explain it to me?

Here's another previous question: What is this “should?” And if you look here and here, you should find links to many previous discussions. — Edwin Ashworth, Jan 03 '15 at 12:15
Have a look at previous posts on this site (use search, as well). See also: [ell.se] — Kris, Jan 03 '15 at 15:10

score 1 · Answer 1 · answered Jan 03 '15 at 12:30

Could refers to possibility (or its lack), and would to action (or its lack).

I wish I could fly.

I can't fly; it's not a thing I am capable of doing.

If I were a bird, I could fly.

Birds of course can fly (most species, anyway) so if I was a bird I would be capable of doing so.

If I were a bird, I would fly.

Not only would I be capable of it, in this scenario it is actually going to happen.

In this way, could is related to can and would is related to will.

You have them together in:

If I could, I would.

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