would or could?

[hirashin]

Hello, everyone.

Would someone help me again?

Would both the sentences be used?
(a) If I had studied harder, I could have passed the exam.
(b) If I had studied harder, I would have passed the exam.

Hirashin

 

[Grandpa Frank]

Both sound OK. I might change it to say "If only I had" to make it sound better to my ear. (a) sounds like a possibility of passing , where (b) sounds like it would be a sure thing the person would pass; otherwise almost the same meaning.

Uncle Frank

 

[ewww]

Sorry, I am not native speaker, but, as for me:

(a) as Unckle Frank told, sounds like posibility, eg, probably, person did not try to take a test.
(b) person took and failed test.

May be I am not correct.

 

[Lu Misho]

both are okay..
i think, using 'would' would be better as in grammar

 

[Glenn]

Yes, they're both fine. "Could" comes from "can" and is potential, whereas "would" comes from "will" and is more volitional or certain, like Uncle Frank said.

 

[Trond]

As Uncle Frank stated. Using could in my own opinion would be better, seeing from what Glenn said.

 

[Mike Cash]

One difference I am surprised no one has pointed out is that (a) is possible even if the person didn't take the exam, while (b) is not.

So in order to really answer the question, it is necessary to know the context.

 

[Kenjikun]

One difference I am surprised no one has pointed out is that (a) is possible even if the person didn't take the exam, while (b) is not.

So in order to really answer the question, it is necessary to know the context.

You didnt let me say that. T.T.

But yeah both are correct if you dont think too deep

 

[ClarkH]

(b) is stating a certain fact.

People will use the (a) sentence more vaguely, or when there is still uncertainty.

Consider these sentences. They present a similar difference in meaning, and some people that are very particular about English (like grade school English teachers) will point out the difference:
(c) Could/can you pass me the sugar?
--- What's an appropriate answer? "Yes, I could. If you ask this question, you are not actually asking them if they will pass you the sugar. You are just asking, "is it possible for you to pass me the sugar?" So the answer, "yes of course, it's possible I could/can pass you the sugar."

(d) Would you pass me the sugar?
--- Now you are requesting an actual action. What's an appropriate answer? はい、どうぞ。

(e) Can I go to the bathroom? (I recall often a teacher correcting students when they asked for permission in this way.)
--- The teachers would say, "yes, it's possible for you to go, but you cannot go now."

(f) May I go to the bathroom? (This is a very specific question, asking for permission to use the bathroom at that exact moment.)
--- Then the teacher will either say yes or no, and it's a very specific answer. "Yes [you can go now]." OR "No [you cannot go now]."