The meaning of COULD is —used in auxiliary function in the past, in the past conditional, and as an alternative to can suggesting less force or certainty or as a polite form in the present. How …

could modal verb (POSSIBILITY) B1 used to express possibility, especially slight or uncertain possibility:

Could expresses possibility, while would expresses certainty and intent. A good way to remember the differences between these two words is simply to bring each word back to its root verb.

Learn about the modal verbs can and could and do the exercises to practise using them.

Could definition: a simple past tense of can.. See examples of COULD used in a sentence.

Could is also used to talk about ability in the present, but it has a special meaning. If you say that someone could do something, you mean that they have the ability to do it, but they don't in fact …

Mar 28, 2024 · Can is used to talk about something that is possible now, or to ask for permission in a casual way. For example, “I can swim” shows ability, while “Can I leave early?” asks for …

Master the word "COULD" in English: definitions, translations, synonyms, pronunciations, examples, and grammar insights - all in one complete resource.

"Could" is a modal verb used to express possibility or past ability as well as to make suggestions and requests. "Could" is also commonly used in conditional sentences as the conditional form …

could (kŏŏd; unstressed kəd), v. a pt. of can 1. auxiliary verb. (used to express possibility): I wonder who that could be at the door. That couldn't be true. (used to express conditional …