"before he could" vs "before he would"

Question

"before he could" vs "before he would"

Both "before he could" and "before he would" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Before he could" is used to indicate something that happened before he had the ability to do it, while "before he would" is used to express a hypothetical or imagined situation.

Last Updated: March 15, 2024

This phrase is used to indicate that something happened before a person had the ability or opportunity to do it.

Examples:

Before he could reach the finish line, the race was over.
She left before he could say goodbye.
Before he could answer, the phone stopped ringing.

Alternatives:

before he was able to
before he managed to

This phrase is used to express a hypothetical or imagined situation, often in the context of reported speech or indirect speech.

Examples:

He said he would help, but he left before he would do anything.
She promised she would come, but she left before she would arrive.
Before he would even consider the offer, he needed more information.

Alternatives:

before he might
before he could have

Answer 1

before he could

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

before he would

This phrase is correct but less commonly used in English.

"before he could" vs "before he would"

before he could

before he would

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