Alternatives for Could/Should

Alternatives is a recurring post in which I give synonyms for an over used word. Click on the tab above for a "complete" list of over used words.

Today's words are:

Could is considered the past tense of can. Not too many synonyms are available. From what I've been able to garner, there really isn't anything better to use. Just be aware and be judicious. Too many “could haves” can get old. Just like too many “as ifs.”

as it may be

can be, conceivable, conceivably, credible

feasible

imaginably, it could be

managed to, might be

obtainable

perchance, perhaps

succeeded in

was able to, weather permitting

Should is another word that doesn't have many synonyms. It “should” also be used judiciously.

be expedient, be forced, be in for, be necessary, be obliged

cannot do otherwise, cannot be helped

had best, had better, have got to, have to

might, must

need (to), needs must

ought (to)

shall,

used to

will

***

Anansi is still hanging around! Today he and I are visiting Lynn Kelley's website.

Stop on by, I'm sure Lynn has plenty of room for all of us.






Are you a coulda/shoulda kind of person? Or are you one of those "let's git her done" people?