Definition of 'could'

Word Frequency

could

(kəd, STRONG kʊd)

language note: Could is a modal verb. It is used with the base form of a verb. Could is sometimes considered to be the past form of can1, but in this dictionary the two words are dealt with separately.

1. modal verb

You use could to indicate that someone had the ability to do something. You use could not or couldn't to say that someone was unable to do something.

For my return journey, I felt I could afford the extra and travel first class.

I could see that something was terribly wrong.

He could not resist telling her the truth.

When I left school at 16, I couldn't read or write.

There was no way she could have coped with a baby around.

can1

2. modal verb

You use could to indicate that something sometimes happened.

Though he had a temper and could be nasty, it never lasted.

He could be very pleasant when he wanted to.

3. modal verb

You use could have to indicate that something was a possibility in the past, although it did not actually happen.

He could have made a fortune as a lawyer.

You could have been killed!

He did not regret saying what he did but felt that he could have expressed it differently.

4. modal verb

You use could to indicate that something is possibly true, or that it may possibly happen.

Doctors told him the disease could have been caused by years of working in smokeyclubs.

An improvement in living standards could be years away.

He was jailed five years ago and could be released next year.

5. modal verb

You use could not or couldn't to indicate that it is not possible that something is true.

They argued all the time and thought it couldn't be good for the baby.

Anne couldn't be expected to understand the situation.

He couldn't have been more than fourteen years old.

6. modal verb

You use could to talk about a possibility, ability, or opportunity that depends on other conditions.

Their hope was that a new and better country could be born.

I knew that if I spoke to Myra, I could get her to call my father.

7. modal verb

You use could when you are saying that one thing or situation resembles another.

The charming characters she draws look like they could have walked out of the 1920s.

8. modal verb

You use could, or couldn't in questions, when you are making offers and suggestions.

I could call the local doctor.

We need money right? We could go around and ask if people need odd jobs done or something.

'It's boring to walk all alone.'—'Couldn't you go for walks with your friends?'.

You could look for a career abroad where environmental jobs are better paid and moresecure.

It would be a good idea if you could do this exercise twice or three times on separatedays.

9. modal verb

You use could in questions when you are making a polite request or asking for permission to do something. Speakers sometimes use couldn't instead of 'could' to show that they realize that their request may be refused.

[politeness]

Could I stay tonight?

Could I speak to you in private a moment, John?

I wonder if some time I could have a word with you.

Sir, could you please come to the commanding officer's office?

Could we go outside just for a second?

He asked if he could have a cup of coffee.

Couldn't I watch you do it?

10. modal verb

People sometimes use structures with if I could or could I as polite ways of interrupting someone or of introducing what they are going to say next.

[formal, spoken, politeness]

Well, if I could just interject.

Could I stop you there?

Could I ask you if there have been any further problems?

First of all, could I begin with an apology for a mistake I made last week?

11. modal verb

You use could to say emphatically that someone ought to do the thing mentioned, especially when you are annoyed because they have not done it. You use why couldn't in questions to express your surprise or annoyance that someone has not done something.

[emphasis]

We've come to see you, so you could at least stand and greet us properly.

Idiot! You could have told me!

He could have written.

Why couldn't she have said something?

But why couldn't he tell me straight out?

12. modal verb

You use could when you are expressing strong feelings about something by saying that you feel as if you want to do the thing mentioned, although you do not do it.

[emphasis]

I could kill you! I swear I could!

'Welcome back' was all they said. I could have kissed them!

She could have screamed with tension.

13. modal verb

You use could after 'if' when talking about something that you do not have the ability or opportunityto do, but which you are imagining in order to consider what the likely consequences might be.

If I could afford it I'd have four television sets.

If only I could get some sleep, I would be able to cope.

14. modal verb

You use could not or couldn't with comparatives to emphasize that someone or something has as much as is possible of a particular quality. Forexample, if you say 'I couldn't be happier', you mean that you are extremely happy.

[emphasis]

The rest of the players are a great bunch of lads and I couldn't be happier.

Darling Neville, I couldn't be more pleased for you.

The news couldn't have come at a better time.

15. modal verb

In speech, you use how could in questions to emphasize that you feel strongly about something bad that has happened.

[emphasis]

How could you allow him to do something like that?

How could I have been so stupid?

How could she do this to me?

How could you have lied to us all these years?

16. convention

You say 'I couldn't' to refuse an offer of more food or drink.

[informal, spoken]

'More cake?'—'Oh no, I couldn't.'

17. could do with

English Easy Learning GrammarCan and couldBoth these verbs indicate ability in some respect. The use of could is usual in clausesthat contain a reference to past time.
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English Easy Learning GrammarMay and mightBoth may and might can be used in requests and in expressions of possibility for thepresent and future.
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Video: pronunciation of
could

could in British English

(kʊd)

verb (takes an infinitive without to or an implied infinitive)

1. used as an auxiliary to make the past tense of can1

2. used as an auxiliary, esp in polite requests or in conditional sentences, to makethe subjunctive mood of can1

could I see you tonight?

she'd telephone if she could

used as an auxiliary to indicate suggestion of a course of action

you could take the car tomorrow if it's raining

4. (often foll by well)

used as an auxiliary to indicate a possibility

he could well be a spy

Word origin

Old English cūthe; influenced by would, should; see can1

Word Frequency

could in American English

(kʊd)

auxiliary verb

1. pt. of

can1

he gave what he could give

used as a modal auxiliary in verbal phrases with present or future time reference, generally equivalent to can1 in meaning and use, with the following functions:

expressing esp. a shade of doubt or a smaller degree of ability or possibility

it could be so

expressing permission

could I go?

forming the present conditional

it would help if he could wait

forming the past conditional

he would have left if he could

expressing or suggesting politely less certainty than can1

could you wait?

verb intransitive

3. pt. of

can1

he gave what he could

verb transitive

4. pt. of; Obsolete

can1

Word origin

altered (infl. by would, shall auxiliary verb.) < ME coud < OE cuthe (akin to Goth kuntha, OHG konda, ON kunna), pt. of cunnan, to be able: see can1

Examples of 'could' in a sentence
could

These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content.Read more…

We were watching knowing we could have done something special there again.Then it goes back into something that could be anyone.That could mean something as simple as scanning a document and emailing it straight out.It would easily cover all the costs so they could do something really special.He insisted the badges could be used only with staff consent and that bosses get merely an overview of activity.Cops who seized him found he had cable ties and tape that could have been used as a blindfold or gag.The submarine could have been used to monitor the movement of Indian warships.The brands could use alternatives, but plastic is cheap.People think, 'I could do that.Others could use them as political capital.