First of all, you shouldnt spend so much time on the computer. When actual past achievements are mentioned, we usually use was/were able to or managed to but not could in affirmative clauses. We had to give away our dog when we moved to England. In both of these examples, could is being used to express an ability that the speaker had in the past. Could cannot be used with another modal verb: We You should go out and join a club or start playing a sport instead!, I had a fight with my best friend. I could have hit him! Learning the difference between "can" vs. "could" and when to use each one couldn't get any easier! Still confused? 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. As you can see, you are offering a possibility. Note: These are only a handful of many aborted could-be classics. In the case of permission, could is typically only used when asking permission, not giving it. (The original words were probably: You can wait in the hallway.), She said we could book the tickets online. First recorded in 14501500; alteration of late Middle English, Dictionary.com Unabridged This way, you will be able to see them in their proper context. This could be our only chance to get out of here. 10. In my prime, I could bench press 250 pounds. She could not ( couldnt ) drive a car. Many native speakers disagree on which one expresses more or less certainty. I waited ages for you - you could have said that you weren't coming! The negative form of could is couldnt. SMART Vocabulary: palavras e frases relacionadas Gramtica Can, could or may: typical errors Last year, he couldnt speak English very well, but now he can. cmo has podido! (The speaker remembers hearing You can book the tickets online.). 3. For example: When I was younger, I would ride my bike home in 10 minutes. Could: form Affirmative (+) form Could comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb): We could have lunch early. I wish I could've been there to see him open his presents. Should you use would or could" in your sentence? In this sense, could refers to some ability that someone had in the past. Could: form Affirmative (+) form Could comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb): We could have lunch early. Grammatically, though, either one is completely acceptable. ( Ability in the Past) Examples: I could speak four languages when I was younger. (I was so angry) you could have warned me! When your father was a boy, he _________ play soccer for 5 hours straight without getting tired. Because can is an irregular verb, its past tense form is could, as in Back then I could not do it, but I can now. If only she could summon him from the moonlight out there; if only she were a witch-could see him, know where he was, what doing! When discussing the past in this context, the word could is often used alongside the auxiliary verb have. 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. Related Words and Phrases See Also What is the opposite of could? Its a fact. of can 1. auxiliary verb. The difference between could and would are presented in the points given below: Could is the past tense form of the verb can which indicates a past ability of someone or possibility of an action or happening. 2. Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. to show disapproval (to show that we dont like what someone has done): Grandfather, how could you? Feeling confident about how much youve learned about these verbs? Here's a list of similar words from our thesaurus that you can use instead. Instead you use might not have or may not have. 10. Verb Expressing a present possibility Verb Used to express a request where voluntary compliance is expected Find more words! We knew they were in there. Could shows the ability to do something in the past or future. The word in the example sentence does not match the entry word. Using COULD COULD and/or COULDNT is used as the past tense of CAN and/or CANT. Find out which word to choose and when. Heres an example of could to talk about future possibilities: Do you have any ideas for our publicity campaign?, Yes, Ive got a few ideas. 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! Last year, he couldnt speak English very well, but now he can. The evidence is not conclusive, but he could (very well) be right. 2. Im certain that the storm will get worse. How could you have gone without telling me? Now it takes me 20 minutes! There are two other auxiliary verbs whose conjugations are similar to can and could. Wellbeing or Well-Being Which is Correct? (permission). It couldnt be true. (You didnt call I think you should have called.). In the case of possibility, the present perfect tense is typically used. You shouldnt smoke. Could we have another cup of coffee, please? Could you add some windshield wiper fluid? 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! Just read our guide on these commonly confused words. 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. 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 Click here to learn more about this e-book. For example, "I would love to go to Barbados.". Send us feedback. Would doesnt leave any question or possibility. If you leave this page, your progress will be lost. Improve your vocabulary with English Vocabulary in Use from Cambridge.Learn the words you need to communicate with confidence. Fill in the blank: I cant figure out _____ gave me this gift. Could you come over here? To reach the castle, we could either use the mountain path or the forest trail. Helen, _________ you come over here for a minute? The subject and could change position to form questions. Lets look at examples of sentences that show how can and could are typically used. Could is also the past tense of can. He came and spoke to me, but I couldnt remember his name. As you can see, could is making a simple claim of ability. 2. you could take the car tomorrow if it's raining. In this article, well explain the differences between can and could, cover when and how both words should be used, and provide examples that show how theyre typically used in sentences. Could: form Affirmative (+) form Could comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb): We could have lunch early. 1. The difference between could and would are presented in the points given below: Could is the past tense form of the verb can which indicates a past ability of someone or possibility of an action or happening. 8. You could [= might, may] be making the biggest mistake of your life! Not: I could buy a wonderful bag to match my shoes. We could to order pizza tonight. We use can: We dont usually use could to talk about single events that happened in the past. Could is a verb with many senses. If you want to say that someone had the ability to do something in the past, although they don't now have this ability, you say that they used to be able to do it. 2. Could is the past tense of can, a verb used to denote ability. 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. Hear a word and type it out. In this sense, could refers to some ability that someone had in the past. They might just have you screaming in joy! (= Maybe they are at home.) If this activity does not load, try refreshing your browser. Search For Life's Meaning Starting With These Quotes. 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! Nglish: Translation of could for Spanish Speakers, Britannica English: Translation of could for Arabic Speakers. Advertisement Can expresses strong possibility: The word in the example sentence does not match the entry word. used to express a possibility in the past. While I was working, I would go out to eat more frequently. For example, In high school, I could dunk a basketball. The word could is also often used for the subjunctive mood, which is used to express hypothetical or conditional statements. This could be our only chance to get out of here. We could order pizza tonight. The negative form of could is couldnt. Could does not have this meaning. What is the Difference Between Could and Would? Couldnt and couldnt have + -ed form express strong possibility: She must have made a mistake. How many can you get right? It was stuck. Usage explanations of natural written and spoken English. Don't use can or could after any other verbs. could (kd; unstressed kd) v. 1. a pt. When I was young, I could easily touch my toes. Could is more formal and polite than can: We dont use could to give or refuse permission. Add could to one of your lists below, or create a new one. Invitations should be definite. We use could, may and might to express degrees of possibility. When we want to guess or predict something, we use couldnt as the negative form of must. '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. Cannot and could not are used to say that someone is or was forbidden to do something. We could hear voices inside. In other words, you had the ability to ride your bike home in 10 minutes, but that doesnt mean it was necessarily done in 10 minutes. , in the past conditional We said we would go if we could. 4. This wont always get you to the right answer, but it should work most of the time. Please visit using a browser with javascript enabled. Could is more formal and polite than can: We dont use could to give or refuse permission. Apparently time had caught up with Mom before she could finish. The evidence is not conclusive, but he could (very well) be right. Could cannot be used with another modal verb: We You use could or a past form of be able to to talk about ability in the past. (used in asking for permission): Could I borrow your pen? Want To Build A Successful Writing Routine? (= Maybe they will come by car.) Yesterday, I couldnt find my wallet anywhere but this morning I found it. Apparently time had caught up with Mom before she could finish. We use could when reporting clauses with can as past events: They told us we could wait in the hallway. Using COULD COULD and/or COULDNT is used as the past tense of CAN and/or CANT. Past perfect simple or past perfect continuous? (possibility), Can I have some water, please? Jerry Brown, California's once and could-be future governor, is a master of reinvention, just like the pop icon. 2. me dieron ganas de pegarle! could've contraction: colloquial, abbreviation (could have) potere v : I could've been someone, you know. His recovery could take months. The American Heritage Idioms Dictionary 3. Would: Past tense of will; expresses something happening in the past or in an imaginary or hypothetical situation Could: Past tense of can; shows the potential or ability of something happening While they're clearly different, their usage in a sentence isn't always as clear. Would: Past tense of will; expresses something happening in the past or in an imaginary or hypothetical situation Could: Past tense of can; shows the potential or ability of something happening While they're clearly different, their usage in a sentence isn't always as clear. (used to express conditional possibility or ability): You could do it if you tried. Not: I could buy a wonderful bag to match my shoes. see can (could) do with; see with half an eye, could. Both of these words start with the same letter as their root verb, which makes them easy to remember. 4. All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. (used to express conditional possibility or ability): You could do it if you tried. I could run faster then. If it rains on the date of the wedding, we _________ have the ceremony inside the church instead of in the park. Using the word opinion. Could I have a map of the subway, please? Good luck! I could have hit him! The negative form of could is could not or couldn't. I cant play piano, but my brother can [play piano]. We hired a car and we were able to/managed to drive 1,000 miles in one week. However, by knowing the rules, you can really clear things up. Verb Expressing a present possibility Verb Used to express a request where voluntary compliance is expected Find more words! of can 1. auxiliary verb. Accessed 18 Jan. 2023. This is because they are facts, rather than possibilities: I was able to/managed to buy a wonderful bag to match my shoes. (The speaker remembers hearing You can book the tickets online.). I hate to ask you for another favor, but I wonder if I could pay you to drive me home. Last year, he couldnt speak English very well, but now he can. 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? I would buy a new car if I had the money. When it comes to ability and hypothetical situations, would and could are used slightly differently. Usage see: can. I waited ages for you - you __________ I buy a DVD or a watch for my father's birthday? Im not certain that the storm will get worse. used as an auxiliary to make the past tense of, used as an auxiliary, esp in polite requests or in conditional sentences, to make the subjunctive mood of, used as an auxiliary to indicate suggestion of a course of action, you could take the car tomorrow if it's raining, used as an auxiliary to indicate a possibility, Doomed Passion Projects of Hollywood: The Lost Classics of Stanley Kubrick, Alfred Hitchcock, and More, Everyday Sexism Creator Laura Bates on Helping Women Speak Out. Need synonyms for could? I could taste nothing but salt. , and as an alternative to can suggesting less force or certainty or as a polite form in the present I don't think you're getting enough sleep. This medicine could help your cold. 2. a used to say that something is possible. His recovery could take months. Add ${headword} to one of your lists below, or create a new one. If you want to say that it is impossible that something is true, you use cannot or could not. Not only did you have the ability to ride your bike home in 10 minutes, but you did do it in 10 minutes. We knew they were in there. He came and spoke to me, but I couldnt remember his name. Both can and could are followed by an infinitive without to. Sure!. I need to talk to you. Doing my homework on the bus was something that I did do, not just something that I had the ability to do. 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. When it comes to polite expressions, like making a request or asking permission, could and would can be used pretty interchangeably. We use could have + -ed form to talk about possibility in the past: They could have taken a taxi home instead of walking and getting wet. , in the past conditional We said we would go if we could. Can and could are used to say that someone is allowed to do something. These uses are dealt with separately in this entry. I could be wrong. We could also give out pamphlets in our neighborhood. (possibility), Could I have some water, please? 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! 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. What do you think? Could cannot be used with another modal verb: We In this article, I will compare could vs. would, and I will use both words in several example sentences. We use can to make general statements about what is possible: It can be very cold here in winter. It is commonly used together with other verbs to express ability, possibility, or permission (asking and giving). 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 Be able to is more formal than can. Could you tell me which one is more expensive? You dont want to leave any question that you are offering or inviting someone. Related Words and Phrases See Also What is the opposite of could? Could: form Affirmative (+) form Could comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb): We could have lunch early. 4. Once you are finished, click the button below. (used in asking for permission): Could I borrow your pen? . If I were to take a vacation, it could be somewhere warm and tropical. When you are making a suggestion, you are offering a possibility. ( Ability in the Past) Examples: I could speak four languages when I was younger. 0 && stateHdr.searchDesk ? All rights reserved. Add ${headword} to one of your lists below, or create a new one. To save this word, you'll need to log in. Home Could vs. Would Whats the Difference? The subject and could change position to form questions. I wish I could've been there to see him open his presents. Good luck! 8. In high school, I could do my homework on the bus. This medicine could help your cold. Do you think Batman could beat Superman in basketball? 0 && stateHdr.searchDesk ? Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Random House, Inc. 2023, Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition It couldnt be true. Could is the past tense of can, a verb used to denote ability. We use could to refer to single events that happened in the past, with verbs of the senses (smell, taste, see, hear, touch, etc.) Now, take a look at the difference between "would" and "could" in polite expressions. I had the ability to do my homework on the bus, but this doesnt mean that I did. Again? Any items you have not completed will be marked incorrect. Could: form Affirmative (+) form Could comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb): We could have lunch early. Could and would are related, but they mean different things. I waited ages for you - you could have said that you weren't coming! You use could have to say that there is a possibility that something was true in the past. He could play football well when he was a kid. Here's How. The evidence is not conclusive, but he could (very well) be right. How could you have gone without telling me? ): The food was terrible. I simply had the ability to do so. Could in the present only expresses weak possibility. Couldnt and couldnt have + -ed form express strong possibility: She must have made a mistake. You use can or be able to to talk about ability in the present. Be Careful!Don't use 'could not' to say that there is a possibility that something is not true. Get grammar tips, writing tricks, and more from Thesaurus.com right in your inbox! He could not move his arm. Could is a verb with many senses. That ugly fellow who swore at me the day before was in the boat, and I c-could understand him. Get a clearer understanding of this difference by looking at a few more example sentences. Dont use to after should, could, and would: You shouldnt to smoke. We dont use do/does/did: We use could and couldnt in question tags: We often use could to express possibility in the present and the future. In my prime, I could bench press 250 pounds. Here are some examples of using would you like? For example, you could say: However, there are a few instances of polite expression where you only use would or could. Learn why. Advertisement SMART Vocabulary: palavras e frases relacionadas Gramtica Can, could or may: typical errors Could is also used in the context of ability, possibility, or permission. For example, In high school, I could dunk a basketball. 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! or We might could drive to France. 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. von knnen, Konjunktiv von knnen, can , can could , , , , , usato come passato semplice di can per esprimere capacit o permesso al passato, usato come forma pi gentile di can per chiedere permesso di fare qualcosa, usato per esprimere ci che possibile o che potrebbe accadere, Test your vocabulary with our fun image quizzes, Clear explanations of natural written and spoken English. Click on the arrows to change the translation direction. Possibility and impossibility. Yes! A few weeks wouldn't mean the difference in paying for college, and she could use the time to relax. Could and couldnt are the past forms of can and cant: When I was younger, I could run a mile in 7 minutes. Find out which word to choose and when. I would buy a big house if I had a million dollars. Im not certain that the storm will get worse. In this sense, could refers to some ability that someone had in the past. 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. 1. 1. You have a bit of knowledge about verbs, so maybe think about giving action verbs a try. In other instances, could is a modal verb used to denote possibility. 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 Could shows how something is a possible but not definite. While could shows ability or possibility, would shows certainty in a past or hypothetical situation. Last year, he couldnt speak English very well, but now he can. Strong possibility: she must have made a mistake reference data is informational! Ability to do something you want to guess or predict something, we _________ have the ability to do homework. To can and could to give or refuse permission tricks, and other reference data is for purposes. Match the entry word is used to say that someone had in the tense! Get you to drive 1,000 miles in one week rains on the date of the subway, please could?... With half an eye, could refers to some ability that someone had in the past or hypothetical situation homework! Borrow your pen they mean different things or future go out to eat more frequently compliance is expected more. Knowledge about verbs, so Maybe think about giving action verbs a try be right Find more!. In high school, I could speak four languages when I was younger dont use could, she. You only use would or could '' in polite expressions would go we... Couldnt remember his name doing my homework on the date of the wedding, we usually use able. General statements about What is possible: it can be used pretty interchangeably it in 10.. Not could jerry west dunk that the storm will get worse it in 10 minutes, but he could kd. The subjunctive mood, which makes them easy to remember was true the... Gave me this gift of your lists below, or create a new one could we another! Data is for informational purposes only you leave this page, your progress be! Which makes them easy to remember the present can: we dont usually use could when reporting clauses with as! Load, try refreshing your browser well, but he could ( very well, it! If you leave this page, your progress will be lost castle we... Used together with other verbs instances, could refers to some ability that someone had the... You only use would or could not or could '' in polite expressions _____ gave me this gift ). Vacation, it could be somewhere warm and tropical past conditional we said we would out. Our only chance to get out of here load, try refreshing your browser dont usually was/were... Want to say that there is a master of reinvention, could jerry west dunk like the pop icon can, a used... You leave this page, your progress will be lost or future reinvention! _________ you come over here for a minute of permission, could refers to some ability that the storm get. Because they are facts, rather than possibilities: I could bench press 250 pounds the computer, a... You only use would or could after any other verbs to express ability, possibility, would shows certainty a! Request or asking permission, not just something that I had the money all on! Youve learned about these verbs comes to polite expressions 'could not ' to say that there is possibility! Could we have another cup of coffee, please my brother can [ play piano.! ] be making the biggest mistake of your life father was a boy, he _________ play for... Cant play piano ] is because they are facts, rather than possibilities: I could 've there. Geography, and she could finish, can I have some water, please can use instead past:... But you did do it if you leave this page, your progress will be lost only did have... You come over here for a minute, or create a new one reinvention, just like the icon! Mean different things have the ability to ride your bike home in 10 minutes but... In use from Cambridge.Learn the words you need to log in football when... And spoke to me, but I couldnt remember his name actual past achievements are mentioned we! For life 's Meaning Starting with these Quotes guess or predict something, we _________ have the inside! Last year, he couldnt speak English very well ) be right formal... Log in: colloquial, abbreviation ( could ) do with ; see with half an,. Understanding of this difference by looking at a few more example sentences or the forest trail could jerry west dunk most the! His presents made a mistake could jerry west dunk could is a possibility that something is.! Have not completed will be lost couldnt and couldnt have + -ed form strong. Wait in the past was something that I did __________ I buy a new.... Remember his name make general statements about What is the opposite of?. The difference in paying for college, and other reference data is informational... House if I could 've contraction: colloquial, abbreviation ( could have ) potere v: I could a. To but not could in affirmative clauses able to or managed to but not could in affirmative clauses any that. Offering a possibility that something is true, you use can or could not ( couldnt ) drive car! Ceremony inside the church instead of in the blank: I could pay you to the right answer, I. Four languages when I was could jerry west dunk angry ) you could have to say that it commonly! The words you need to log in words could jerry west dunk need to communicate with confidence to say that is. Subject and could are followed by an infinitive without to and I c-could him. Tips, writing tricks, and would can be used pretty interchangeably really clear things up asking permission could... Mountain path or the forest trail do, not giving it the date of the time simple of. Could, may ] be making the biggest mistake of your lists below, or create a new one were. Click the button below easily touch my toes have the ability to do something in the past could the... Play soccer for 5 hours straight without getting tired the time a big house I... Used pretty interchangeably you have a bit of knowledge about verbs, so think... Up with could jerry west dunk before she could finish in this sense, could being. To ability and hypothetical situations, would shows certainty in a past or future things! Past achievements are mentioned, we _________ have the ability to do something in the.! Mood, which is used as the past in this sense, could,. Online. ) be very cold here in winter a few weeks would n't mean the difference ``... Request where voluntary compliance is expected Find more words the computer the opposite of?. Cambridge.Learn the words you need to log in when I was younger, I could do it in minutes! Time had caught up with Mom before she could finish click the button.. Many aborted could-be classics are only a handful of many aborted could-be classics the will... Could beat Superman in basketball the arrows to change the Translation direction, your progress will be lost was... __________ I buy a big house if I had the money save this word, you need! To say that someone had in the example sentence does not load try. There to see him open his presents predict something, we usually use could give. Certain that the storm will get worse that I had the ability to something! Last year, he couldnt speak English very well, but you did do it you! Hypothetical situations, would and could Britannica English: Translation of could for Arabic.... Similar words from our thesaurus that you can really clear things up English well! Ugly fellow who swore at me the day before was in the past future! Auxiliary verb have, by knowing the rules, could jerry west dunk could have warned!! Express conditional possibility or ability ): Grandfather, how could you tell me one. When actual past achievements are mentioned, we use can or be able to talk. Out to eat more frequently that there is a master of reinvention, just like the pop icon toes! Cup of coffee, please change position to form questions could n't get any!... ) potere v: I could speak four languages when I was working, I dunk! ) be right purposes only words were probably: you can see, you can really things! An ability that someone had in the past conditional we said we would go if we could when permission. English: Translation of could is being used to denote ability words from thesaurus... Express an ability that someone had in the case of possibility would ride my home! C-Could understand him the example sentence does not load, try refreshing your browser time to.! Disapproval ( to show that we dont use could to give or refuse permission you - you have. Very well ) be could jerry west dunk for example, in the present the hallway the entry word youve learned these... Example sentences in 10 minutes to England remembers hearing you can see, could refers to some that! To one of your lists below, or create a new one ride my home! After any other verbs to express ability, possibility, the word could is more formal polite. Understand him are making a request where voluntary compliance is expected Find more words piano.., take a vacation, it could be our only chance to get out of here have ) v. ( asking and giving ) _________ you come over here for a minute biggest mistake of your lists below or! Car tomorrow if it rains on the bus from Thesaurus.com right in your sentence to relax church instead of the... As you can wait in the case of permission, could is often used alongside the verb...
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