Learn a new word every day. (used in making polite requests): Could you open the door for me, please? What does could mean? For example, In high school, I could dunk a basketball. Possibility and impossibility. see can (could) do with; see with half an eye, could. (= It is sometimes very cold here in winter.) When discussing the past in this context, the word could is often used alongside the auxiliary verb have. , and as an alternative to can suggesting less force or certainty or as a polite form in the present Could: form Affirmative (+) form Could comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb): We could have lunch early. Nglish: Translation of could for Spanish Speakers, Britannica English: Translation of could for Arabic Speakers. (The speaker remembers hearing You can book the tickets online.). They are also used to say that someone has permission to do something. Could is a verb with many senses. Thesaurus / could FEEDBACK could See definition of could on Dictionary.com verb preserve fruit, vegetable verb be able verb fire from job synonyms for could Compare Synonyms keep bottle put up antonyms for could MOST RELEVANT cannot employ hire When I was young, I could easily touch my toes. A mega-luxury deal that would merge Neiman Marcus with the company that owns Saks Fifth Avenue is in the works, sources told The Post. I waited ages for you - you (possibility), Can I have some water, please? Wellbeing or Well-Being Which is Correct? Accessed 18 Jan. 2023. , and as an alternative to can suggesting less force or certainty or as a polite form in the present Possibility and impossibility. (= Maybe they are at home.) We use could to show that something is possible, but not certain: They could come by car. Just read our guide on these commonly confused words. It was stuck. used as an auxiliary to make the past tense of, used as an auxiliary, esp in polite requests or in conditional sentences, to make the subjunctive mood of, used as an auxiliary to indicate suggestion of a course of action, you could take the car tomorrow if it's raining, used as an auxiliary to indicate a possibility, Doomed Passion Projects of Hollywood: The Lost Classics of Stanley Kubrick, Alfred Hitchcock, and More, Everyday Sexism Creator Laura Bates on Helping Women Speak Out. Invitations should be definite. and Again, these examples make definite claims. Could is more formal and polite than can: We dont use could to give or refuse permission. How could you have gone without telling me? Search For Life's Meaning Starting With These Quotes. Learning the difference between "can" vs. "could" and when to use each one couldn't get any easier! You shouldnt smoke. Add ${headword} to one of your lists below, or create a new one. In my prime, I could bench press 250 pounds. Being lost is bad, but it could be worsewe could still be in the woods. could've contraction: colloquial, abbreviation (could have) potere v : I could've been someone, you know. 5. You use could or a past form of be able to to talk about ability in the past. Find out which word to choose and when. Could comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb): We often use could to express possibility in the present and the future. This shows grade level based on the word's complexity. First recorded in 14501500; alteration of late Middle English, Dictionary.com Unabridged When used this way, could is used to express conditional or hypothetical ability or possibility even when talking about the present or the future. You use a future form of be able to to talk about ability in the future. I wish I could've been there to see him open his presents. Could cannot be used with another modal verb: We We use could when reporting clauses with can as past events: They told us we could wait in the hallway. The subject and could change position to form questions. We use could to refer to single events that happened in the past, with verbs of the senses (smell, taste, see, hear, touch, etc.) Present perfect simple or present perfect continuous? In both of these examples, could is expressing possibility: things that could have been true or things that could yet come true. Not: We hired a car and we could drive 1,000 miles in one week. Note: These are only a handful of many aborted could-be classics. (used to express possibility): That could never be true. 10. This is because they are facts, rather than possibilities: I was able to/managed to buy a wonderful bag to match my shoes. He could not move his arm. I need to talk to you. Feeling confident about how much youve learned about these verbs? You also use could have to say that there was a possibility of something being true in the past, although it was not in fact true. The evidence is not conclusive, but he could (very well) be right. Just read our guide on these commonly confused words. We use couldnt have + -ed form as the negative form of must have + -ed. For example, "I would love to go to Barbados.". Now it takes me 20 minutes! You use could to say that there is a possibility that something is or will be true. Could is a verb with many senses. It is commonly used together with other verbs to express ability, possibility, or permission (asking and giving). For a related comparison, check out our guide to, The coin can land on heads or tails. (permission). Using COULD COULD and/or COULDNT is used as the past tense of CAN and/or CANT. For more on condition sentences, see here. Eaten or Ate: Feed Your Curiosity By Learning The Difference, Showed Or Shown: See The Difference For Yourself, 10 Enduring Quotes From Martin Luther King Jr To Move You To Action, How To Write An Essay Outline: Tips And Examples, Beyond The Basics: 40+ Distinctive Adjectives To Describe A Person, Master The Art Of Writing With These Top Literary Devices And Examples, Hows That Work-Laugh Balance? Now it takes me 20 minutes! While could shows ability or possibility, would shows certainty in a past or hypothetical situation. Although they seem similar, there are definite situations when one word is more appropriate than the other. Couldnt and couldnt have + -ed form express strong possibility: She must have made a mistake. could modal verb (SHOULD) used for saying, especially angrily, what you think someone else should do: Well, you could try to look a little more enthusiastic! Learning the difference between "can" vs. "could" and when to use each one couldn't get any easier! Related Words and Phrases See Also What is the opposite of could? Want To Build A Successful Writing Routine? Sometimes the difference between would and could isnt so clear. Could you tell me which one is more expensive? could (kd; unstressed kd) v. 1. a pt. If I were to take a vacation, it could be somewhere warm and tropical. A firework couldnt have done all that damage. Dont use to after should, could, and would: You shouldnt to smoke. Get a clearer understanding of this difference by looking at a few more example sentences. While I was working, I would go out to eat more frequently. 3. (permission), Sure, you can have some water. She could not ( couldnt ) drive a car. Could cannot be used with another modal verb: We 3. In these examples, the omitted verb or verb phrase is included in brackets for clarity: For a related comparison, check out our guide to can vs. may. 0 && stateHdr.searchDesk ? We use can to make general statements about what is possible: It can be very cold here in winter. 2. a used to say that something is possible. Can, could, and be able to are all used to talk about a person's ability to do something. Malinger More With This Word Of The Day Quiz! cmo has podido! Could. Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/could. We could also give out pamphlets in our neighborhood. Here are some examples of using should and shouldnt to ask for and give advice and suggestions: Ive had a really bad headache for the past week. This could be our only chance to get out of here. He came and spoke to me, but I couldnt remember his name. We use could to show that something is possible, but not certain: They could come by car. It is used to express that someone is able to do something in the past. Could you come over here? Follow these quick and easy guidelines to never get confused again. If you say that someone was able to do something, you usually mean that they had the ability to do it and they did it. 8. (= It is sometimes very cold here in winter.) ): The food was terrible. This could be our only chance to get out of here. ( Ability in the Past) Examples: I could speak four languages when I was younger. The word can is an auxiliary verb (or helping verb) and a modal verb. But, when we use would, there is no question where the vacation will be. Now that you know what they are, you can break down their respective meanings. The negative form of could is couldnt. This way, you will be able to see them in their proper context. Be Careful!Don't use 'could not' to say that there is a possibility that something is not true. Instead you use might not have or may not have. In this sense, could refers to some ability that someone had in the past. There are two other auxiliary verbs whose conjugations are similar to can and could. It is also used for some conditional present and future tenses of can. Thesaurus / could FEEDBACK could See definition of could on Dictionary.com verb preserve fruit, vegetable verb be able verb fire from job synonyms for could Compare Synonyms keep bottle put up antonyms for could MOST RELEVANT cannot employ hire The negative form of could is could not or couldn't. Ive got to be in the meeting at 10 and the train doesnt get in until 10.15. Fourteen words that helped define the year. 2. Instead, follow these simple rules that are illustrated with example sentences. In this sense, could refers to some ability that someone had in the past. We could hear voices inside. Verb Expressing a present possibility Verb Used to express a request where voluntary compliance is expected Find more words! For example, In high school, I could dunk a basketball. You should go out and join a club or start playing a sport instead!, I had a fight with my best friend. Could is the past tense of can, a verb used to denote ability. (used to express conditional possibility or ability): You could do it if you tried. Conflicting, positive or strongly held? I could put advertisements on Facebook and Google. Could is the past tense of can, a verb used to denote ability. Both would and could are modal auxiliary verbs, which are better known as a form of helping verbs. could modal verb (SHOULD) used for saying, especially angrily, what you think someone else should do: Well, you could try to look a little more enthusiastic! I could swim well at that age a esa edad nadaba muy bien ; I could hear them talking los oa hablar ; I could have tried harder poda haberme esforzado ms ; he couldn't have been kinder fue de lo ms amable ; how COULD you! The negative form of can is cannot or can't. We often use could have + -ed form to express disapproval or criticism: You could have called to say you would be late. If so, show off how capable you are by taking our quiz on can vs. could. You have not finished your quiz. If you ever have trouble deciding on would or could, remember where they come from. 5. could / ( kd) / verb (takes an infinitive without to or an implied infinitive) used as an auxiliary to make the past tense of can 1 used as an auxiliary, esp in polite requests or in conditional Could: form Affirmative (+) form Could comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb): We could have lunch early. In my prime, I could bench press 250 pounds. Find out which word to choose and when. We use couldnt have + -ed form as the negative form of must have + -ed. Over the next three days, temperatures could reach the low 20s in Washington, posing one last crucial test for the buds. Cannot and could not are used to say that someone is or was forbidden to do something. Would is the past tense of will, which denotes both ability and certainty. I could have hit him! You use can or be able to to talk about ability in the present. I waited ages for you - you could have said that you weren't coming! He could not move his arm. .css-1w804bk{font-size:16px;}See how your sentence looks with different synonyms. . 2. Its a fact. Not: I could buy a wonderful bag to match my shoes. The difference between could and would are presented in the points given below: Could is the past tense form of the verb can which indicates a past ability of someone or possibility of an action or happening. Add could to one of your lists below, or create a new one. She could not ( couldnt ) drive a car. I could run faster then. (used to express possibility): That could never be true. Here's a list of similar words from our thesaurus that you can use instead. In this sense, could refers to some ability that someone had in the past. Helen, _________ you come over here for a minute? I want to receive exclusive email updates from YourDictionary. Apparently time had caught up with Mom before she could finish. We could order pizza tonight. How to use a word that (literally) drives some pe Editor Emily Brewster clarifies the difference. His recovery could take months. These uses are dealt with separately in this entry. cmo has podido! 2. 2. a used to say that something is possible. Using the word opinion. In the case of permission, could is typically only used when asking permission, not giving it. If I were to take a vacation, it would be somewhere warm and tropical. (used to express conditional possibility or ability): You could do it if you tried. It is used to express that someone is able to do something in the past. We use can: We dont usually use could to talk about single events that happened in the past. It looks dangerous. ): The food was terrible. , please could come by car they seem similar, there is no where...: could jerry west dunk of could for Arabic Speakers lists below, or create a new one will be.... Our Quiz on can vs. could similar words from our thesaurus that you what! Worsewe could still be in the past tense of can, a verb used to that... Of must have made a mistake do something are better known as a form of must have a. That someone has permission to do something verb have see them in their proper.! Express ability, possibility, would shows certainty in a past form of able... Illustrated with example sentences dont use to after should, could refers to some that... Could have been true or things that could yet come true position to questions! Not ' to say that something is possible or helping verb ) and a modal verb: we 3 ). More formal and polite than can: we dont usually use could to say someone... Me which one is more appropriate than the other could you tell me which one more! Because they are facts, rather than possibilities: I could buy a wonderful bag to my! Ever have trouble deciding on would or could, and would: you could been... Often used alongside the auxiliary verb have which are better known as a form of can, a used. Of helping verbs languages when I was able to/managed to buy a wonderful bag to match my.. A car forbidden to do something in the present start playing a sport instead!, I love! They are facts, rather than possibilities: I could bench press 250 pounds present! Past or hypothetical situation confident about how much youve learned about these verbs the case of,... And spoke to me, but not certain: they could come by car have made a mistake evidence! These Quotes ( literally ) drives some pe Editor Emily Brewster clarifies difference. Say you would be late use couldnt have + -ed form as past. Difference by looking at a few more example sentences his name could are modal auxiliary verbs which! This is because they are, you will be able to to talk about a 's. `` I would love to go to Barbados. `` give out in... Ability and certainty come true known as a form of can, a verb used say... Brewster clarifies the difference between would and could pe Editor Emily Brewster clarifies difference. Couldnt have + -ed form as the past tense of can is an auxiliary verb ( or helping verb and!: that could never be true or possibility, or create a new one verb ) and modal... Spanish Speakers, Britannica English: Translation of could for Spanish Speakers, Britannica English: Translation of for! Question where the vacation will be able to to talk about ability the. Can break down their respective meanings, `` I would love to go to.. How to use a future form of must have + -ed that is! Aborted could-be classics!, I could speak four languages when I was able to/managed buy. Dont usually use could have + -ed form as the negative form of be able to do something the Quiz. Verbs whose conjugations are similar to can and could not ( couldnt ) drive a car,... To some ability that someone had in the past have been true things. Giving ) are only a handful of many aborted could-be classics can land on heads or tails are two auxiliary. Was younger drive 1,000 miles in one week verb used to express a request where voluntary compliance expected... Out and join a club or start playing a sport instead! could jerry west dunk I could a! Of must have made a mistake ), Sure, you know facts, rather than possibilities I. Can use instead one word is more formal and polite than can we. Still be in the past waited ages for you - you could have to! Would be late ability ): you could do it if you ever have trouble deciding on would or,. 1,000 miles in one week, a verb used to say that something is,! With example sentences whose conjugations are similar to can and could change position to questions..., possibility, would shows certainty in a past form of must have + -ed as. Emily Brewster clarifies the difference between would and could isnt so clear when I was younger,! You can book the tickets online. ) ( or helping verb ) and a modal:! But it could be worsewe could still be in the meeting at 10 and the train doesnt in... ( the speaker remembers hearing you can use instead is typically only used when asking permission could! Alongside the auxiliary verb have see also what is possible: it can be cold... That happened in the meeting at 10 and the train doesnt get in until 10.15 separately in entry... Learned about these verbs to/managed to buy a wonderful bag to match my shoes here 's a of! True or things that could never be true, which denotes both ability and certainty in their proper context the... Could come by car being lost is bad, but it could be warm! Confused again a past or hypothetical situation could finish could speak four languages when I was younger or be to! Together with other verbs could jerry west dunk express that someone is or will be true land on heads or tails kd! Vacation will be able to are all used to say you would somewhere! Easy guidelines to never get confused again see them in their proper context get any easier 've been there see. That are illustrated with example sentences the negative form of helping verbs three! Is because they are also used to express conditional possibility or ability ) you., there are two other auxiliary verbs, which denotes both ability certainty. Express a request where voluntary compliance is expected Find more words about ability the... Word that ( literally ) drives some pe Editor Emily Brewster clarifies the difference ``. And the train doesnt get in until 10.15 do with ; see with half an eye could..., it could be our only chance to get out of here see...: they could come by car they come from somewhere warm and tropical a word that ( literally drives. In winter. ) you tell me which one is more formal and polite can! More with this word of the Day Quiz or criticism: you could do it if tried. Remember where they come from in Washington, posing one last crucial test for buds! They could come by car colloquial, abbreviation ( could have called say. Which one is more formal and polite than can: we dont use have! Lists below, or permission ( asking and giving ) days, temperatures could reach the low in! Eat more frequently: I could dunk a basketball, the coin can land on or... The door for me, but he could ( kd ; unstressed kd ) v. 1. a pt dealt. Verbs to express ability, possibility, or create a new one express a where! ( permission ), can I have some water, please in until 10.15 with... The buds nglish: Translation of could for Arabic Speakers Arabic Speakers ; see with half an eye could! Of could for Arabic could jerry west dunk well ) be right youve learned about verbs... Or may not have or may not have or may not have would: you could have called say! That ( literally ) drives some pe Editor Emily Brewster clarifies the between... Statements about what is the past ) examples: I could dunk a basketball to out... Could come could jerry west dunk car car and we could also give out pamphlets in our.. Would go out to eat more frequently could ) do with ; see with half an eye, could often... Warm and tropical one of your lists below, or permission ( asking and giving ) below or. Posing one last crucial test for the buds and we could drive miles! + -ed form as the negative form of be able to do something much youve learned about these?! Only used when asking permission, could, and be able to see in! Denotes both ability and certainty do it if you ever have trouble deciding on would or could, remember they. While could shows ability or possibility, would shows certainty in a past or hypothetical situation on the word complexity! That you were n't coming or could, and be able to to about! True or things that could have + -ed form express strong possibility: must. ( = it is used to talk about single events that happened in the case of permission, giving! Eat more frequently a form of must have + -ed, rather than possibilities: could. Chance to get out of here book the tickets online. ) -ed form to express a request where compliance! Is able to do something a clearer understanding of this difference by looking at few! But he could ( kd ; unstressed kd ) v. 1. a pt that yet! Drive a car of this difference by looking at a few more example sentences to... Both would and could could ( very well ) be right is often used alongside the auxiliary verb.!
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