he could have gone out vs he would have gone out

Both phrases are correct, but they have different meanings and are used in different contexts. 'He could have gone out' implies that he had the ability or opportunity to go out but it's uncertain whether he actually did. 'He would have gone out' suggests that he had the intention or desire to go out, but something prevented him from doing so.

Last updated: March 15, 2024 • 1496 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English. It implies that he had the ability or opportunity to go out, but it's uncertain whether he actually did.

"he could have gone out"

This phrase is used to express a possibility or ability in the past. It indicates that going out was an option, but it's not confirmed if he actually did.

Examples:

He could have gone out with his friends, but he chose to stay home.
She could have gone out for a walk if the weather had been better.

Show examples from the web [+]

He could have gone out socially as much as he liked--he was an eligible young man, now, and popular with down-town fathers. His confessed devotion to Judy ...
He could have gone out socially as much as he liked--he was an eligible young man, now, and popular with down-town fathers. His confessed devotion to Judy ...
That was okay, although if they would have divulged the fact that he could have gone out and bought one of those cases himself, saving the delivery charge, ...
Apr 24, 2015 ... “He could have gone out this year and probably would have gotten drafted, but I think he believes in Sean Miller and Arizona being his best ...

Alternatives:

He might have gone out
He was able to go out
He had the option to go out

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English. It suggests that he had the intention or desire to go out, but something prevented him from doing so.

"he would have gone out"

This phrase is used to express a hypothetical situation in the past. It indicates that he wanted to go out, but some circumstance prevented him from doing so.

Examples:

He would have gone out if he hadn't been feeling sick.
She would have gone out with them if she had known earlier.

Show examples from the web [+]

he would have gone out. she would have gone out. one would have gone out. we would have gone out. you (pl) would have gone out. they (m) would have gone ...
Apr 23, 2015 ... In deference to the powerful PWB Peeps group, he would have gone out of his way to appease them. See, pandering isn't just for elected ...
Apr 23, 2015 ... In deference to the powerful PWB Peeps group, he would have gone out of his way to appease them. See, pandering isn't just for elected ...
... Moshe upon Moshe's return from Midian would be recorded in the Torah, then he would have gone out to greet Moshe with musical instruments and dancing.

Alternatives:

He intended to go out
He wanted to go out
He was planning to go out

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he could have gone out vs he would have gone out