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 …

We use could to ask for permission. Could is more formal and polite than can: Could I ask you a personal question?

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.

Learn about the modal verbs can and could and do the exercises to practise using them.

Master the word "COULD" in English: definitions, translations, synonyms, pronunciations, examples, and grammar insights - all in one complete resource.

"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."

'Could' is a modal auxiliary verb used to express possibility, ability, or permission in the past. It plays a significant role in conveying various meanings depending on context, such as suggesting …

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 meaning, definition, what is could: used as the past tense of ‘can’ to say w...: Learn more.