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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 to use could in a sentence.
COULD definition: 1. past simple of "can", used to talk about what someone or something was able or allowed to do…. Learn more.
Learn about the modal verbs can and could and do the exercises to practise using them.
You use could to talk about a possibility, ability, or opportunity that depends on other conditions. Their hope was that a new and better East Germany could be born.
"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 of "can."
Definition of could modal verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.
To make your English sound more polite, flexible, and natural, it helps to know when to use could instead of a stronger verb. In everyday conversation, could lets you soften requests, offer options, and talk about possible situations without sounding too certain. This article explains how native
Learn 8 expert ways to use could in English—past abilities, polite requests, regrets, and more—with real examples and clear practice tips.
COULD definition: a simple past tense of can. See examples of could used in a sentence.
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 possibility or ability): You could do it if you tried. (used in making polite requests): Could you open the door for me, please?