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 definition: 1. past simple of "can", used to talk about what someone or something was able or allowed to do…. Learn more.

We use could have to say that someone had the ability or opportunity to do something, but did not do it: She could have learned Swahili, but she didn't want to.

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 …

Could is more formal and polite than can: Could I ask you a personal question? We don’t use could to give or refuse permission.

I could (have) used when you feel so happy, sad, angry, etc that you would like to do something:

A woodchuck Sawn logs of wood " How much wood would a woodchuck chuck " (sometimes phrased with "could" rather than "would") is an American English -language tongue-twister. …

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 …

Apr 9, 2025 · Learn 8 expert ways to use could in English—past abilities, polite requests, regrets, and more—with real examples and clear practice tips.