EnglishClub ESL Forums

In a classroom, one student (A) to another (B):

A: I'm surprised! How did you know I wrote it on the board? (The writing is not on the board now. Maybe someone erased it, but B had already seen it.)

B1: It's pretty simple. Looking at the handwriting, anyone could've guessed you wrote it. (Guessing in the past)

B2: It's pretty simple. Looking at the handwriting, anyone would've guessed you wrote it. (Guessing in the past)

Are B1 and B2 correct?

Both are correct.

Could suggests that it is possible.

Would suggests that it is as possible.

Thank you, Mr Greg :).

In the same context, the following would also be correct. Am I right?

Anyone could/would guess that you wrote it. (Guessing in the present)