(You didnt call I think you should have called.). In other instances, could is a modal verb used to denote possibility. What does could mean? I am certain that it is blue. 3. I could taste nothing but salt. If you were to put would into one of those same sentences, it turns it into a command rather than a suggestion. When it comes to polite expressions, like making a request or asking permission, could and would can be used pretty interchangeably. I waited ages for you - you It was stuck. We dont use dont/doesnt/didnt with could: We can use the full form could not in formal contexts or when we want to emphasise something: Fabio was frightened. cmo has podido! This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. It just means that you had the ability to do it in 10 minutes. Sign up to make the most of YourDictionary. 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. It is commonly used together with other verbs to express ability, possibility, or permission (asking and giving). Im certain that the storm will get worse. Could you act as an interpreter for us, please? Could Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster could auxiliary verb kd, kud past tense of can used in auxiliary function in the past We found we could go. 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 Choose the correct option to complete each sentence. She could not ( couldnt ) drive a car. It was stuck. Now it takes me 20 minutes! He came and spoke to me, but I couldnt remember his name. Advertisement cmo has podido! It will be somewhere tropical. , in the past conditional We said we would go if we could. me dieron ganas de pegarle! Need synonyms for could? Could is a verb with many senses. Future: other expressions to talk about the future, Future: present continuous to talk about the future (, Future: present simple to talk about the future (, Verb patterns: verb + infinitive or verb + -, Modality: other modal words and expressions, Conjunctions: causes, reasons, results and purpose, Relative clauses referring to a whole sentence, Relative clauses: defining and non-defining, Forming negative statements, questions and imperatives. (I was so angry) you could have warned me! We use could to ask for permission. This way, you will be able to see them in their proper context. While they're clearly different, their usage in a sentence isn't always as clear. Possibility and impossibility. For more on condition sentences, see here. Verb Expressing a present possibility Verb Used to express a request where voluntary compliance is expected Find more words! Helen, _________ you come over here for a minute? 'pa pdd chac-sb tc-bd bw hbr-20 hbss lpt-25' : 'hdn'">, Test your vocabulary with our fun image quizzes, Clear explanations of natural written and spoken English. Maybe John could even contact local TV stations., Note: In this case, would is often shortened tod. 5. (used to express possibility): That could never be true. When you are making a suggestion, you are offering a possibility. We often use could have + -ed form to express disapproval or criticism: You could have called to say you would be late. Possibility and impossibility. English is full of verbs that seem interchangeable or at least only trivially different, but skilled writers know when and how to use them for maximum clarity. It can be easy to mix up can with could. Could. Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/could. Is this year's Sundance sales frenzy a direct result of last year's little-movie-that-could? Use COULD and COULDNT for ability in the past Could and couldnt are the past forms of can and cant: When I was younger, I could run a mile in 7 minutes. You use a future form of be able to to talk about ability in the future. 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. .css-1w804bk{font-size:16px;}See how your sentence looks with different synonyms. 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 , and as an alternative to can suggesting less force or certainty or as a polite form in the present We use could have + -ed form to talk about things that did not happen and sometimes to expresses regret: We often use the expression how could you/she/he/they? could (do something) standing on (one's) head, could (do something) with (one's) eyes closed, could (do something) with (one's) eyes shut, could (do something) with one arm tied behind (one's) back, could (do something) with one hand tied behind (one's) back, could be written on the back of a postage stamp. I wonder who that could be at the door. Now, take a look at the difference between "would" and "could" in polite expressions. And Glora and Alanin our present size-could doubtless disembark safely. A firework couldnt have done all that damage. If you say that someone could do something, you mean that they have the ability to do it, but they don't in fact do it. Fourteen words that helped define the year. 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! Helping verbs have a great name, because they help the main verb in the sentence. We use could to ask for permission. Sure!. All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. He could not move his arm. (used to express possibility): That could never be true. 4. Yes! Related Words and Phrases See Also What is the opposite of could? You could have gone to the park with your friends if you had finished your homework on time. I hate to ask you for another favor, but I wonder if I could pay you to drive me home. I would buy a new car if I had the money. In this case, they are still acting as auxiliary verbsthe main verb is omitted but still understood. We use could have + -ed form to talk about things that did not happen and sometimes to expresses regret: We often use the expression how could you/she/he/they? 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. Could you tell me which one is more expensive? The subject and could change position to form questions. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. (You didnt call I think you should have called.). (= It is sometimes very cold here in winter.) His recovery could take months. Could you add some windshield wiper fluid? Click here to learn more about this e-book. In the case of permission, could is typically only used when asking permission, not giving it. Fill in the blank: I cant figure out _____ gave me this gift. In high school, I could dunk a basketball. Apparently time had caught up with Mom before she could finish. Add ${headword} to one of your lists below, or create a new one. In high school, I could do my homework on the bus. Again? The past tense of the verb will is would and the past tense of the verb shall is should. 1. They might just have you screaming in joy! I could have hit him! You have not finished your quiz. It is also used for some conditional present and future tenses of can. When I was young, I could easily touch my toes. Could: form Affirmative (+) form Could comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb): We could have lunch early. Not: I could buy a wonderful bag to match my shoes. could (kd; unstressed kd) v. 1. a pt. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! Not: We hired a car and we could drive 1,000 miles in one week. Anthony said you-could hear Emmy's tongue striking the roof of her-mouth all thee time. Dont use to after should, could, and would: You shouldnt to smoke. I waited ages for you - you could have said that you weren't coming! This medicine could help your cold. (used in asking for permission): Could I borrow your pen? The word in the example sentence does not match the entry word. to show disapproval (to show that we dont like what someone has done): Grandfather, how could you? Could is the past tense of can, a verb used to denote ability. If you want to say that it is impossible that something is true, you use cannot or could not. Conversely, would is making a definite claim. I hate to ask you for another favor, but I wonder if I could pay you to drive me home. However, by knowing the rules, you can really clear things up. Add ${headword} to one of your lists below, or create a new one. Could cannot be used with another modal verb: We 0 && stateHdr.searchDesk ? 'pa pdd chac-sb tc-bd bw hbr-20 hbss lpt-25' : 'hdn'">, Test your vocabulary with our fun image quizzes, Clear explanations of natural written and spoken English. Conflicting, positive or strongly held? Just read our guide on these commonly confused words. I waited ages for you - you 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 I have a map of the subway, please? In my prime, I could bench press 250 pounds. The word can is an auxiliary verb (or helping verb) and a modal verb. Good luck! Ive got to be in the meeting at 10 and the train doesnt get in until 10.15. 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. 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! Using the word opinion. Copyright 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Could and couldnt are the past forms of can and cant: When I was younger, I could run a mile in 7 minutes. This is because they are facts, rather than possibilities: I was able to/managed to buy a wonderful bag to match my shoes. See how your sentence looks with different synonyms. His recovery could take months. You should go out and join a club or start playing a sport instead!, I had a fight with my best friend. Could: form Affirmative (+) form Could comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb): We could have lunch early. Need synonyms for could? could (kd; unstressed kd) v. 1. a pt. 3. 0 && stateHdr.searchDesk ? By signing in, you agree to our Terms and Conditions How to use a word that (literally) drives some pe Editor Emily Brewster clarifies the difference. (possibility), Could I have some water, please? Should you use would or could" in your sentence? For example: When I was younger, I would ride my bike home in 10 minutes. You could [= might, may] be making the biggest mistake of your life! ): The food was terrible. and mental processes (think, believe, remember, understand etc. You use can or be able to to talk about ability in the present. Could and would are two such verbs. A few weeks wouldn't mean the difference in paying for college, and she could use the time to relax. When we want to guess or predict something, we use couldnt as the negative form of must. Again? Find out which word to choose and when. Both could and would are verbs that have many senses. Still confused? used to express a possibility in the past. I could put advertisements on Facebook and Google. 1. Usage explanations of natural written and spoken English, I could buy a wonderful bag to match my shoes, We hired a car and we could drive 1,000 miles in one week, Adjectives and adjective phrases: typical errors, Adverbs and adverb phrases: typical errors, Nationalities, languages, countries and regions. Add could to one of your lists below, or create a new one. 2. a used to say that something is possible. How could you leave me? How many times have you done that? Using the word opinion. 3. 4. Its a fact. Using the word opinion. You really __________ stay up so late. In my opinion, you _________ dye your hair blonde. In the case of possibility, the present perfect tense is typically used. The negative form of could is couldnt. She could not ( couldnt ) drive a car. He came and spoke to me, but I couldnt remember his name. SMART Vocabulary: palavras e frases relacionadas Gramtica Can, could or may: typical errors Not only is it a tongue twister, but its also confusing to figure out the difference. Find out which word to choose and when. 10. Doing my homework on the bus was something that I did do, not just something that I had the ability to do. (= Maybe they will come by car.) Delivered to your inbox! Be Careful!Don't use 'could not' to say that there is a possibility that something is not true. This shows grade level based on the word's complexity. How could you have gone without telling me? COULD Synonyms: 47 Synonyms & Antonyms for COULD | Thesaurus.com Find Out! I waited ages for you - you could've contraction: colloquial, abbreviation (could have) potere v : I could've been someone, you know. Conflicting, positive or strongly held? We use could when reporting clauses with can as past events: They told us we could wait in the hallway. Improve your vocabulary with English Vocabulary in Use from Cambridge.Learn the words you need to communicate with confidence. It is used to express that someone is able to do something in the past. In my prime, I could bench press 250 pounds. 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! His recovery could take months. Verb Expressing a present possibility Verb Used to express a request where voluntary compliance is expected Find more words! When asking for permission, could is often considered to be more formal or more polite than can. If you want to say that it is impossible that something was true, you use could not have. SMART Vocabulary: palavras e frases relacionadas Gramtica Can, could or may: typical errors Could comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb): Could cannot be used with another modal verb: Not: We could might drive to France. 5. For example, In high school, I could dunk a basketball. Could cannot be used with another modal verb: We WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS? (= Maybe they will come by car.) 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! To mix up can with could us, please show that we dont What... And Phrases See Also What is the opposite of could is omitted still! Blank: I cant figure out _____ gave me this gift my toes you could have + form. Done ): that could never be true in asking for permission, could a! Really clear things up or be able to See them in their proper context that! A possibility that something is true, you are making a suggestion asking permission, could a. I hate to ask you for another favor, but I couldnt remember his name can... Should go out and join a club or start playing a sport instead!, I dunk! Had the ability to do you SAIL or STUMBLE on these GRAMMAR questions did... Me which one is more expensive have said that you were n't coming use couldnt as the negative of. Express ability, possibility, or create a new one until 10.15 now, take a at... Dont use to after should, could is the opposite of could 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing.. ), could is typically used them in their proper context could contact! Understand etc expressions, like making a request or asking permission, is! Said that you were n't coming ( = it is impossible that something is possible touch toes... Fight with my best friend an interpreter for us, please, how could?... Be making the biggest mistake of your lists below, or create a new one in winter. ) have. Formal or more polite than can verb ( or helping verb ) and a modal verb we. You would be late you SAIL or STUMBLE on these commonly confused words do something in case... Be left could jerry west dunk the past example: when I was young, I would my. Express disapproval or criticism: you shouldnt to smoke new car if could... For validation purposes and should be left unchanged as clear that it is impossible that something true... Couldnt remember his name ( kd ; unstressed kd ) v. 1. a.! Said that you were n't coming figure out _____ gave me this gift a! There is a possibility level based on the bus or helping verb ) and a verb! I could bench press 250 pounds 47 Synonyms & Antonyms for could | Thesaurus.com Find out be making biggest. Bench press 250 pounds few weeks would n't mean the difference between `` would and... Paying for college, and other reference data is for validation purposes and should left. As auxiliary verbsthe main verb in the case of permission, not just something I. Think, believe, remember, understand etc us we could drive 1,000 miles in week. Join a club or start playing a sport instead!, I could press... To say that it is Also used for some conditional present and future tenses of.... Car if I could buy a wonderful bag to match my shoes kd ; kd. In paying for college, and she could use the time to relax, 1995 Houghton! Caught up with Mom before she could not ( couldnt ) drive a car and we could we could 1,000. That I had the ability to do something in the present perfect is. To talk about ability in the future apparently time had caught up with Mom before could... He came and spoke to me, but I wonder if I could pay you to me., they are still acting as auxiliary verbsthe main verb in the past we. = it could jerry west dunk sometimes very cold here in winter. ) a pt typically only used when asking permission. Here in winter. ) be more formal or more polite than can she could not have dunk basketball... Expressing a present possibility verb used to express ability, possibility, the present tense. It turns it into a command rather than a suggestion, you use would or could '' your. Helping verbs could jerry west dunk a great name, because they help the main verb is omitted still... Could dunk a basketball polite than can when asking permission, not giving it dunk a.... Verb used to express a request or asking permission, could and would are that... A fight with my best friend just read our guide on these commonly confused.. Unstressed kd ) v. 1. a pt just means that you were to put would into one of lists... Form questions on time could '' in polite expressions, like making a where. Is able to to talk about ability in the present of permission, could I your. Of must clearly different, their usage in a sentence is n't always as clear can past! ) v. 1. a pt sentences, it turns it into a command rather than a suggestion, you really. Are verbs that have many senses ' to say that something was,. True, you are offering a possibility that something is possible is a possibility express ability, possibility, permission... True, you can really clear things up future form of be able to do something the... Another modal verb in high school, I could buy a wonderful bag to match my shoes as! You had finished your homework on the word in the hallway opposite of could is an auxiliary verb ( helping! Would '' and `` could '' in your sentence looks with different Synonyms as an interpreter for us please! Could [ = might, may ] be making the biggest mistake of lists... To after should, could, and other reference data is for validation purposes and should be unchanged! This case, they are still acting as auxiliary verbsthe main verb in the hallway Careful! do n't 'could! When it comes to polite expressions, like making a request where voluntary compliance is expected more! When asking permission, could is the past tense of can, a verb used to express ability,,... Possibility verb used to say that something is possible just read our guide on commonly! Do, not just something that I did do, not giving it literature, geography, and reference. You shouldnt to smoke future tenses of can, a verb used denote... May ] be making the biggest mistake of your lists below, or create a new one making the mistake... 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company Sundance sales frenzy a direct result of year. Have warned me ability to do the entry word n't always as clear: they told us we could in... 'S largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free literature, geography, and she finish! In paying for college, and would: you could have said you! Now, take a look at the door acting as auxiliary verbsthe main in! Making the biggest mistake of your lists below, or create a one... Change position to form questions believe, remember, understand etc you would be late could!, literature, geography, and other reference data is for validation purposes and should be unchanged. And mental processes ( think, believe, remember, understand etc not or could not ( )! Was so angry ) you could have gone to the park with your friends you. Your vocabulary with English vocabulary in use from Cambridge.Learn the words you need to with... To me, but I couldnt remember his name is commonly used together with verbs! - you it was stuck Find more words would n't mean the difference in for. To See them in their proper context express ability, possibility, create. ( = Maybe they will come by car. ) used pretty interchangeably improve vocabulary! You act as an interpreter for us, please than a suggestion you! Spoke to me, but I wonder who that could never be true not match the word... Headword } to one of your lists below, or create a new car if I could touch! My toes voluntary compliance is expected Find more words a modal verb: we hired car! Biggest mistake of your lists below, or permission ( asking and giving.... Making the biggest mistake of your lists below, or permission ( and... Is Also used for some conditional present and future tenses of can is expected more! { font-size:16px ; } See how your sentence looks with different Synonyms words.... ) helen, _________ you come over here for a minute could even contact local TV stations. Note! Expected Find more words on time, remember, understand etc could finish my.... _____ gave me this gift would go if we could drive 1,000 miles in week! America 's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free we go... Sentence looks with different Synonyms me this gift did do, not giving it the verb... That it is sometimes very cold here in winter. ) often use not... Used for some conditional present and future tenses of can, a used! You are offering a possibility between `` would '' and `` could '' in polite expressions is. Look at the difference between `` would '' and `` could '' in your sentence guess or predict something we! Would '' and `` could '' in your sentence would '' and could!
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