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.

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. I could see that something was …

Definition of could modal verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

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.

Used to indicate ability or permission in the past: I could run faster then. Only men could go to the club in those days. 2. Used with hypothetical or conditional force: If we could help, we would. …

"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 …

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 …

Could is a modal verb that is used to indicate possibility or ability in conditional or hypothetical situations. It suggests that something is likely or feasible but not certain, or that someone has …

Could I borrow your pen? (used in offering suggestions or advice). You could write and ask for more information. You could at least have called me. The media could not be loaded, either …