Shadowing Practice: How to Use Could, Would & Should in Real English Conversations - Learn English Speaking with Video
Choose a practice mode
Each mode opens a full-screen practice room.
626 sentences
If sentences are too short or too long, click Edit to adjust them.
1
Michael, quick question.
2
Hey, Olivia.
3
Absolutely.
4
What is on your mind today?
5
Um, what is the exact difference between could, would, and should?
6
Oh, wow.
7
That is a big one.
8
I know.
9
I hear them absolutely everywhere.
10
Exactly.
11
On TV, at work, on the street.
12
Yes, but honestly, I never know which one to use.
13
Ha ha ha.
14
That is exactly where most English learners get confused.
15
Totally.
16
I just guess most of the time.
17
Well, you are not alone, Olivia, but perfect timing, Olivia.
18
Really?
19
Why?
20
Because today we are going to make it very, very simple.
21
Oh, I hope so.
22
My brain is tired of rules.
23
Listen to me.
24
After this short lesson, you will choose them automatically.
25
Automatically?
26
No thinking?
27
Zero thinking.
28
You see, Olivia, I have a secret for you.
29
Ooh, I love secrets.
30
Tell me.
31
You do not have a grammar problem.
32
I don't?
33
No. You have a politeness problem.
34
Wait, what?
35
A politeness problem?
36
Am I rude?
37
No, no. Not rude, but in English, we use these words to show respect.
38
Ah, I understand.
39
So my promise to you today is this.
40
You will learn how to sound polite, natural, and confident using just three little words.
41
Wow.
42
Three words?
43
Exactly.
44
Now, before we start...
45
Yeah?
46
I want you to relax.
47
Take a deep breath.
48
Okay.
49
Breathing in and out.
50
Awesome.
51
Because there are no boring grammar rules today.
52
Oh, thank goodness.
53
I really hate grammar.
54
I know you do.
55
This is not grammar, Olivia.
56
This is real conversation.
57
Perfect.
58
I am ready.
59
What is the big idea?
60
The big idea is that three words change everything.
61
Just three?
62
Just three.
63
Could, would, and should.
64
They sound so small.
65
They are small, but they completely change your personality in English.
66
My personality?
67
How?
68
Imagine you were wearing a very casual t-shirt.
69
Okay, I am imagining it.
70
That is normal English.
71
But when you put on a nice clean suit… Oh, I look professional.
72
Exactly.
73
These three words are the business suit of the English language.
74
Wow, I love that picture in my head.
75
Awesome.
76
Let us put on our business suit and look at the first word.
77
Let's do it.
78
Which one is first?
79
The first word is could.
80
C-O-U-L-D. Could.
81
Correct.
82
Now, Olivia, imagine you are in a big office.
83
Okay.
84
Big office, glass windows, busy people.
85
Yes.
86
And your hands are full of heavy boxes.
87
Oh, no. My arms hurt.
88
You walk to a door.
89
A man is standing there.
90
What do you say?
91
I say, can you open the door?
92
Good.
93
That is normal English.
94
Is it bad?
95
Not bad, but listen to this.
96
Could you open the door?
97
Oh, could you opened a door?
98
Yes.
99
How does that feel?
100
It feels softer, more gentle.
101
Absolutely.
102
That is the magic of could.
103
So can is just normal.
104
Yes, can is normal.
105
It asks about ability.
106
Like do your arms work?
107
Exactly. But could.
108
Could is a polite request.
109
I see.
110
It sounds much more respectful.
111
Definitely.
112
Now, let us practice this in a real business situation.
113
OK.
114
Give me a situation.
115
You are in an important meeting with a big client.
116
Ooh, a meeting.
117
High pressure.
118
You need the client to look at a document.
119
OK.
120
Do you say, can you read this file?
121
No, that sounds like a command.
122
Exactly.
123
It sounds like you were the boss giving orders.
124
I should use could.
125
Yes.
126
Tell me the sentence.
127
Could you read this file?
128
Excellent.
129
Oh, wait.
130
Could you read this file, please?
131
Wow.
132
Even better.
133
You sound like a top manager now.
134
I feel powerful but polite.
135
That is the perfect description.
136
Powerful but polite.
137
Can we do another one?
138
Absolutely.
139
You are working on a new project.
140
All right.
141
A project.
142
You don't understand a part of it.
143
You need help from your co-worker.
144
Okay.
145
I go to my co-worker's desk.
146
What do you say?
147
Could you explain this project to me?
148
Perfect.
149
How did that feel?
150
It felt really natural.
151
Like, I respect his time.
152
True.
153
Very true.
154
So, could is for asking people to do things nicely.
155
Exactly.
156
Could makes you sound respectful.
157
I love it.
158
Could you help me?
159
Could you send the file?
160
Could you explain the project?
161
You are a natural, Olivia.
162
Thanks, Michael.
163
What is the next word?
164
The next word changes your desires into gold.
165
Oh, sounds expensive.
166
What is it?
167
The word is wood.
168
Wood.
169
W-O-U-L-D.
170
Wood.
171
Yes.
172
Now let us draw another picture in your mind.
173
Okay.
174
My eyes are closed.
175
Paint the picture.
176
You are in a beautiful, quiet café.
177
Mmm, I can smell the coffee.
178
The waiter comes to your table.
179
Okay.
180
What do you say to him?
181
I say, I want coffee.
182
Ah, I want coffee.
183
Is that rude?
184
Well, imagine a little child crying.
185
What do they say?
186
They say, I want a toy.
187
I want candy.
188
Exactly.
189
I want is a bit aggressive.
190
It's just raw emotion.
191
Oh, no. I don't want to sound like a crying child in a cafe. Of course not.
192
So, let us upgrade your English.
193
Yes, please, upgrade me.
194
Instead of, I want coffee, say this, I would like a coffee.
195
I would like a coffee.
196
Yes, listen to the music in that sentence.
197
Oh, wow.
198
I would like a coffee.
199
It sounds so elegant.
200
Doesn't it?
201
It completely changes the mood.
202
It does.
203
The waiter will definitely smile at me now.
204
Absolutely.
205
Would makes your desire polite.
206
So, I want is direct, but I would like is polite.
207
Exactly.
208
Now let's take would to the office.
209
Back to the business suit.
210
Yes, you need to speak with your manager.
211
Okay.
212
You don't say, I want a meeting with you.
213
No, no, that sounds like I'm firing him.
214
Exactly.
215
So what do you say?
216
I would like a meeting with you.
217
Perfect.
218
Very professional.
219
Okay, let me try another one.
220
Go ahead.
221
I want to discuss the project.
222
No, wait!
223
Catch yourself.
224
Fix it.
225
I would like to discuss the project.
226
Excellent.
227
You sound like a true professional.
228
Wow, this is actually fun.
229
See?
230
No grammar.
231
Just feelings and situations.
232
Definitely.
233
It feels like acting in a movie.
234
It is.
235
Now, what if you see a co-worker carrying heavy boxes?
236
Oh, the box situation again.
237
Yes, but this time you are helping them.
238
Okay.
239
You don't say, do you want help?
240
Why not?
241
Is that bad?
242
It is okay, but it's casual.
243
Let's make it a polite offer.
244
Oh, how do I use would for a question?
245
Very simple.
246
You switch it.
247
Would you like?
248
Ah, would you like some help?
249
Awesome.
250
Say it again with a big smile.
251
Would you like some help?
252
Yes, you just offered help in the most polite way possible.
253
This is blowing my mind, Michael.
254
I told you.
255
Three little words.
256
So, let me make sure I understand.
257
Take your time.
258
Summarize it for me.
259
If I want someone to do something for me...
260
Yes?
261
I use could.
262
Like, could you open the door?
263
Spot on.
264
That is a polite request.
265
And if I want something for myself...
266
I use would, like, I would like a coffee.
267
Perfect.
268
That is a polite desire.
269
And if I want to offer something to someone...
270
Yes, what do you use?
271
I use would again, like, would you like a coffee?
272
Absolutely brilliant, Olivia.
273
Oh my gosh, I feel so smart right now.
274
You are smart.
275
You just needed to see the feelings behind words.
276
Yeah, exactly.
277
The grammar books never explain the feeling.
278
Now they just give you formulas.
279
Subject plus verb.
280
Boring. So boring.
281
But now I see the pictures.
282
The cafe, the office.
283
Visualizing it makes it stick in your brain forever.
284
Totally.
285
Okay, I have could, I have would.
286
Which leaves us with one more word.
287
The third word.
288
Yes.
289
Are you ready for a new situation?
290
I am so ready.
291
Give me a challenge.
292
Okay, let's take a deep breath because this one is very important for life and work.
293
Breathing in.
294
I am ready.
295
Awesome.
296
The third magic word is should.
297
S-H-O-U-L-D. Should.
298
Exactly.
299
Now close your eyes again.
300
Closed.
301
What is the picture this time?
302
You are sitting at your desk.
303
You look very stressed.
304
Oh, I hate being stressed.
305
You have a massive problem with your project.
306
A huge problem.
307
My head hurts.
308
I am your friend at the office.
309
I see you crying.
310
Oh, no. Poor me.
311
I want to help you.
312
I look at you and say, talk to your manager.
313
Ouch.
314
That sounds really strong.
315
Yes.
316
How does it feel in your chest?
317
It feels like an order, like you are shouting at me.
318
Exactly.
319
Talk to your manager is a command.
320
And I am already stressed.
321
I do not need orders.
322
True.
323
So let us use our third magic word.
324
OK.
325
How do I fix it?
326
Listen to this.
327
You should talk to your manager.
328
Oh, you should talk to your manager.
329
Yes.
330
How does that feel now?
331
It feels so much better.
332
Like you actually care about me.
333
Absolutely.
334
That is the true power of should.
335
It feels like a warm hug for my stressed brain.
336
A warm hug.
337
I love that picture.
338
So, should is not an order?
339
No, never.
340
Should is advice.
341
Advice.
342
Like a friendly suggestion.
343
Exactly.
344
You're giving someone a good idea.
345
But they do not have to do it?
346
Correct.
347
It is totally their choice.
348
You're just helping.
349
Wow.
350
That is very polite and safe.
351
Definitely.
352
Let us try some real situations.
353
Hit me.
354
I am ready.
355
Your co-worker looks extremely tired today.
356
He has dark circles under his eyes.
357
Yes.
358
What is your advice?
359
You should take a break.
360
Perfect.
361
Very kind and very professional.
362
Oh, I like this.
363
Give me another one.
364
Your friend has an important presentation tomorrow.
365
Okay.
366
But he is playing video games instead of repairing.
367
Oh, no. Bad idea.
368
What do you tell him?
369
You should study more.
370
Excellent.
371
Friendly advice.
372
No screaming.
373
Yeah, exactly.
374
If I just say, study more, I sound angry.
375
Totally.
376
Now a big business situation.
377
Okay, putting my professional business suit back on.
378
The team cannot agree on the project direction.
379
We are stuck.
380
You need the boss to step in and fix it.
381
What do you say?
382
You should make a decision.
383
Spot on.
384
You should make a decision.
385
It sounds helpful, not pushy.
386
Exactly.
387
You are guiding them, not pushing them.
388
This is so clear now.
389
Should means advice.
390
Awesome.
391
Now, Olivia, we reached the most exciting part of today.
392
Oh, more exciting than the magic words?
393
This is where we put all the magic together, the smart comparison.
394
Okay, my brain is 100% focused.
395
We will look at the same situation, but change the feeling.
396
Same idea, different feeling.
397
I love it.
398
Situation 1.
399
You need help.
400
Okay.
401
Normal English.
402
Can you help me?
403
Polite English.
404
Could you help me?
405
Boom.
406
See the difference?
407
Yes.
408
One is a basic question.
409
One is a respectful request.
410
Exactly.
411
Situation 2.
412
You are thirsty.
413
Okay.
414
I want a drink.
415
Normal English.
416
I want coffee.
417
Polite English.
418
I would like coffee.
419
Beautiful.
420
What changed there?
421
I want is like a baby.
422
I would like is a professional choice.
423
Yes.
424
Situation three.
425
Your friend is confused at work.
426
Okay.
427
Normal English.
428
Talk to your boss.
429
Polite English.
430
You should talk to your boss.
431
Fantastic.
432
What is the difference?
433
Talk to your boss is an order.
434
You should is kind advice.
435
You nailed it.
436
You absolutely nailed it.
437
Wow, it really is just a politeness problem.
438
See, I told you, no boring grammar rules.
439
Just feelings, pictures, and respect.
440
Exactly.
441
Now it is time to open the error lab.
442
The error lab sounds a little dangerous.
443
It is safe.
444
I will pretend to be a bad English speaker.
445
Oh, this will be very funny.
446
You have to fix my rude sentences.
447
Ready?
448
Ready.
449
Bring on the bad English.
450
Hey, Olivia.
451
You must help me right now.
452
Oh, wow.
453
Yikes.
454
That is terrible.
455
Fix it for me.
456
Could you help me, please?
457
Perfect.
458
Much better.
459
Here is another one.
460
Okay.
461
Let me hear it.
462
Hey, I want a meeting with you today.
463
Oh, no. So aggressive.
464
Fix it.
465
I would like a meeting with you today.
466
Awesome.
467
My ears feel better already.
468
Do you have any more?
469
Yes.
470
One last mistake.
471
Listen to this.
472
I am listening.
473
Your project is bad.
474
Fix it.
475
Oh my gosh.
476
I would cry if a co-worker said that.
477
How do you make it polite advice?
478
Hmm, let me think.
479
You should check your project again.
480
Brilliant.
481
You turned an insult into helpful advice.
482
This feels like a communication superpower.
483
It really is.
484
Words have incredible power, Olivia.
485
They really do.
486
Could, would, should.
487
My new best friends.
488
Awesome.
489
Now prepare for the ultimate test.
490
The ultimate test?
491
Am I ready for this?
492
You are more than ready.
493
We are doing a real role play.
494
A scene?
495
Like in a movie?
496
Exactly.
497
No explanations.
498
Just pure, natural conversation.
499
Okay.
500
What is the setting?
501
We are at the office.
502
We are working on a big project together.
503
Got it.
504
I am in character. And action.
505
Hey, Michael.
506
Are you busy?
507
Hi, Olivia.
508
A little bit.
509
What is up?
510
Could you send me the marketing file?
511
Sure.
512
I can send that.
513
Anything else?
514
Yes.
515
I would like to discuss the new budget with you later.
516
Oh, the budget.
517
Yeah, we definitely need to look at that.
518
I notice some numbers are low.
519
You should check the final results.
520
Good catch, Olivia.
521
I will do that right now.
522
Thanks, Michael.
523
Would you like me to book a meeting room?
524
Yes, please.
525
That would be great.
526
Done. And cut.
527
Wow, that was so smooth.
528
It was absolutely perfect.
529
You sounded exactly like a native speaker.
530
I felt so confident.
531
I used could, would, and should without stopping.
532
You did.
533
You didn't even think about grammar.
534
Not at all.
535
I just thought about the feeling and the situation.
536
That is the big secret to fluency, my friend.
537
I am so happy right now.
538
My brain is not tired at all.
539
That is the goal.
540
Let us do a quick mental summary to lock it in forever.
541
Lock it in.
542
Let's go.
543
Word number one, could.
544
Polite request.
545
Like, could you open the door?
546
Exactly.
547
Word number two, would.
548
Polite desire or offer.
549
Like, I would like coffee.
550
Spot on.
551
Word number three, should.
552
Friendly advice.
553
Like, you should take a break.
554
Olivia, you are officially a master of politeness in English.
555
Thank you, Professor Michael.
556
So, what is our golden sentence for today?
557
Ooh, a golden sentence.
558
Tell me.
559
Speak English, but speak it nicely.
560
Speak English, but speak it nicely.
561
I really love that.
562
It changes how the whole world treats you.
563
I believe it.
564
If I am polite, people actually want to help me.
565
Absolutely true.
566
You get what you give in communication.
567
This was honestly the best English lesson ever.
568
I am so glad you enjoyed it, Olivia.
569
So, what about everyone listening to us right now?
570
Ah, yes.
571
We have a tiny bit of homework for our amazing listeners.
572
Oh, homework.
573
But fun homework, right?
574
Very fun.
575
No stressful tests, I promise.
576
What do they have to do?
577
I want you, the listener, to go to the comments right now.
578
Open the comments, grab your keyboards.
579
And write three simple sentences.
580
One for each magic word?
581
Exactly.
582
Write one sentence using could.
583
Like a polite request.
584
Yes.
585
Then write one sentence using would.
586
Like a polite wish or a nice offer.
587
Perfect.
588
And finally, write one sentence using should. Should.
589
Give us some friendly advice.
590
Exactly.
591
I am going to read every single comment.
592
And I will read them too.
593
If you make a small mistake, do not worry at all.
594
The error lab is open.
595
We will help you fix it gently.
596
Absolutely.
597
We're here to help you speak with real confidence.
598
This learning community is so awesome.
599
It really is.
600
So do not be shy.
601
Drop your sentences below.
602
Could you write a comment?
603
I would like to read it.
604
Look at you, using the lesson already.
605
You should see my big smile right now.
606
That was incredibly clever, Olivia.
607
I try my best.
608
I try.
609
Well, that is all for today's lesson.
610
Thank you so much, Michael.
611
I learned a lot.
612
And a big thank you to everyone listening.
613
Keep practicing.
614
You are doing great.
615
Remember, you do not have a grammar problem.
616
You have a politeness problem.
617
But not anymore.
618
Not anymore.
619
Before you go, support the channel.
620
Like the video and subscribe for more lessons.
621
And if you want real English conversations, check out our new channel, Talk English Podcast.
622
On that channel, you will find amazing podcasts to improve your listening skills with real topics.
623
Check the link in the description or the pinned comment below.
624
Go subscribe.
625
You will love it.
626
See you in the next lesson.
Download App
Everything you need to speak fluently
AI PronunciationScore every sentence
IPA PracticeMaster every sound
VocabularyBuild your word bank
Vocab GameLearn while playing
Same Channel
FOR YOU
Recommend Video
B13
468 sentences
The Secret to Explaining Your Opinions in English | English Podcast For Daily Conversations
Business EnglishInterview EnglishDaily Conversation
B16
152 sentences
Conversation Lesson | How To Be Polite & Show Respect in English
Business EnglishDaily ConversationHigh School Students
B14
72 sentences
Speak Fluent English Without Memorizing Grammar Rules
Business EnglishDaily ConversationHigh School Students
B11
130 sentences
Modal Verbs - How to Use Must, Have to and Should - English Grammar Lesson
British AccentBusiness EnglishDaily ConversationHigh School Students
B12
314 sentences
Everyday English Words You Need to Sound More Natural | English Conversation Practice
Business EnglishDaily ConversationHigh School Students
B13
756 sentences
How to Change Your Life | Easy English Conversation Practice | English Podcast
Business EnglishDaily ConversationHigh School Students
B110
118 sentences
The Right Grammar for English Introductions | Meeting Someone New
American AccentBusiness EnglishInterview EnglishDaily Conversation
B13
193 sentences
English Speaking Skills Practice | Best Way to Improve Your English Skills
Business EnglishInterview EnglishDaily Conversation
B12
337 sentences
How to Think in English — Stop Translating in Your Head | Learning English Podcast 🎧
Business EnglishDaily ConversationHigh School Students
B13
97 sentences
How to Improve writing
Business EnglishDaily ConversationHigh School Students
B12
462 sentences
Speak English Confidently: Daily Life Vocabulary
American AccentBusiness EnglishDaily ConversationHigh School Students
B12
346 sentences
15 Better Ways to Say "I Don't Know" in English (Sound Fluent & Confident!)
Business EnglishDaily ConversationHigh School Students
Vocabulary and speaking notes for this lesson
This video has 626 sentences and 2871 words to shadow. The speech runs for 20:56. The speaker talks at a steady 137 words per minute, a comfortable pace for shadowing. 86% of the words are among the 3,000 most common in English; the rest is worth studying before you start.
Key vocabulary in this video
15 words from the video worth learning, with pronunciation and meaning:
| Word | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| polite adjective | /pəˈlaɪt/ | Well-mannered, civilized. |
| grammar noun | /ˈɡɹæm.ə(ɹ)/ | A system of rules and principles for the structure of a language, or of languages in general. |
| lesson noun | /ˈlɛs.ən/ | A section of learning or teaching into which a wider learning content is divided. |
| worker noun | /ˈwɝ.kɚ/ | One who works: a person who performs labor for a living; traditionally, especially, manual labor. |
| breathe verb | /bɹiːð/ | To draw air into (inhale), and expel air from (exhale), the lungs in order to extract oxygen and excrete waste gases. |
| rude adjective | /ɹuːd/ | Lacking in refinement or civility; bad-mannered; discourteous. |
| bore verb | /boɹ/ | To inspire boredom in somebody. |
| homework noun | /ˈhoʊmˌwɝk/ | Exercises assigned by a teacher to a student which review concepts studied in class. |
| nicely adverb | /ˈnaɪs.li/ | Precisely; with fine discernment or judgement. |
| respectful adjective | /ɹɪˈspɛkt.fl̩/ | Marked or characterized by respect |
| confused adjective | /kənˈfjuːzd/ | unable to think clearly or understand |
| desk noun | /dɛsk/ | A table, frame, or case, in past centuries usually with a sloping top but now usually with a flat top, for the use of writers and readers. It often has a… |
| helpful adjective | /ˈhɛlp.fl̩/ | Furnishing help; giving aid; useful. |
| aggressive adjective | /əˈɡɹɛs.ɪv/ | Characterized by aggression; highly combative; prone to behave in a way that involves attacking (especially if unjustly) or arguing. |
| upgrade verb | /əpˈɡɹeɪd/ | To improve, usually applied to technology, generally by complete replacement of one or more components. |
Phrasal verbs you will hear
| Word | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| check out verb | To record the departure or withdrawal of someone or something (such as guests, employees, books, etc.). | |
| go ahead verb | /ˌɡoʊ əˈhɛd/ | To proceed with; to begin. |
Pronunciation to watch
The speaker uses 11 contractions and reduced forms, such as don't, you're, didn't. Say them the short way, as you hear them.
- The “th” sounds: breathe /bɹiːð/, smooth /smuːð/, thirsty /ˈθɝs.ti/
- The “sh” and “zh” sounds: casual /ˈkæʒ(u)əl/, gosh /ɡɑːʃ/, explanation /ˌɛkspləˈneɪʃən/, presentation /ˌpɹɛzn̩ˈteɪʃn̩/, suggestion /səˈd͡ʒɛst.ʃən/
- Long words — get the stress right: explanation /ˌɛkspləˈneɪʃən/, incredibly /ɪŋˈkɹɛdɪbli/
How to practise with this video
- Listen to the whole video once without speaking and note the words you do not know.
- Shadow it sentence by sentence at normal speed, repeating each one until your rhythm matches the speaker.
- Record yourself and compare with the original, paying attention to words like polite, grammar, lesson.
Grammar in this video
The structures the speaker uses most, with the exact words from the video:
| Structure | In the video |
|---|---|
| Advice with “should” should + verb — saying what is a good idea | should use · should talk · should is |
| Superlatives the -est / the most … — the top or bottom of a group | the most polite · the most exciting · the best |
| Present continuous am/is/are + -ing — something happening right now or around now | am imagining · is standing · are working |
| Future with “will” will + verb — a decision, promise or prediction | will choose · will learn · will definitely smile |
What is the Shadowing Technique?
Shadowing is a science-backed language learning technique originally developed for professional interpreter training and popularized by polyglot Dr. Alexander Arguelles. The method is simple but powerful: you listen to native English audio and immediately repeat it out loud — like a shadow following the speaker with just a 1–2 second delay. Unlike passive listening or grammar drills, shadowing forces your brain and mouth muscles to simultaneously process and reproduce real speech patterns. Research shows it significantly improves pronunciation accuracy, intonation, rhythm, connected speech, listening comprehension, and speaking fluency — making it one of the most effective methods for IELTS Speaking preparation and real-world English communication.