Related Words and Phrases See Also What is the opposite of could? 2. a used to say that something is possible. If you want to say that someone had the ability to do something but did not in fact do it, you say that they could have done it. Home Could vs. Would Whats the Difference? Could in the present only expresses weak possibility. Add ${headword} to one of your lists below, or create a new one. All rights reserved. In my prime, I could bench press 250 pounds. How many can you get right? Dont use to after should, could, and would: You shouldnt to smoke. 10. 2. For more on condition sentences, see here. Find out which word to choose and when. Using the word opinion. 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. They could be at home. We could order pizza tonight. I cant play piano, but my brother can [play piano]. It looks dangerous. Could cannot be used with another modal verb: We 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. could've contraction: colloquial, abbreviation (could have) potere v : I could've been someone, you know. That ugly fellow who swore at me the day before was in the boat, and I c-, He was all innuendo and strange hints and whispered secrets, and I-, She was awfully shocked,or pretended to be,and wrote me a very O-dear-how-, He might go and tell Willy all about it; he would ask him to interfere-, These are (Paul says) lima beans Munchausen, and here we have. Advertisement He could play football well when he was a kid. I don't think you're getting enough sleep. We often use could have + -ed form to express disapproval or criticism: You could have called to say you would be late. , and as an alternative to can suggesting less force or certainty or as a polite form in the present 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. The negative form of could is couldnt. 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. 1. You have not finished your quiz. 2023 LoveToKnow Media. Need synonyms for could? Could is more formal and polite than can: We dont use could to give or refuse permission. The evidence is not conclusive, but he could (very well) be right. could (kd; unstressed kd) v. 1. a pt. You could [= might, may] be making the biggest mistake of your life! Possibility and impossibility. 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 If you really tried, you could easily pass the test tomorrow. (= Maybe they will come by car.) I need to talk to you. 2. They might just have you screaming in joy! Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Random House, Inc. 2023, Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition You could [= might, may] be making the biggest mistake of your life! What is the Difference Between Could and Would? In this sense, could refers to some ability that someone had in the past. 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. Note: These are only a handful of many aborted could-be classics. 4. In other instances, could is a modal verb used to denote possibility. Here's a list of similar words from our thesaurus that you can use instead. Would doesnt leave any question or possibility. could've contraction: colloquial, abbreviation (could have) potere v : I could've been someone, you know. and mental processes (think, believe, remember, understand etc. He could play football well when he was a kid. Improve your vocabulary with English Vocabulary in Use from Cambridge.Learn the words you need to communicate with confidence. (= Maybe they are at home.) When actual past achievements are mentioned, we usually use was/were able to or managed to but not could in affirmative clauses. That ugly fellow who swore at me the day before was in the boat, and I c-could understand him. For example, In high school, I could dunk a basketball. It is used to express that someone is able to do something in the past. 4. 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 Hear a word and type it out. Seeing a few more examples in action can really drive this point home. I waited ages for you - you could have said that you weren't coming! Once you are finished, click the button below. Here are some examples of using would you like? I would to buy a new car if I had the money. Case in Point or Case and Point Whats the Difference? (used in making polite requests): Could you open the door for me, please? (used to express conditional possibility or ability): You could do it if you tried. And Glora and Alanin our present size-could doubtless disembark safely. If it rains on the date of the wedding, we _________ have the ceremony inside the church instead of in the park. That couldn't be true. Fourteen words that helped define the year. Last year, he couldnt speak English very well, but now he can. You dont want to leave any question that you are offering or inviting someone. Can you use these words interchangeably or not? I could taste nothing but salt. Clear up your doubts about confusing words and use English more confidently! I hate to ask you for another favor, but I wonder if I could pay you to drive me home. Could cannot be used with another modal verb: We Could is the past tense of can, a verb used to denote ability. When actual past achievements are mentioned, we usually use was/were able to or managed to but not could in affirmative clauses. (= Maybe they are at home.) Usage see: can. Advertisement Verb Expressing a present possibility Verb Used to express a request where voluntary compliance is expected Find more words! The evidence is not conclusive, but he could (very well) be right. (permission), Sure, you can have some water. 3. Could shows how something is a possible but not definite. Copyright 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. 3. (used to express possibility): That could never be true. I __________ call you last night because I left my cell phone at home. Could and would are two such verbs. We use could to show that something is possible, but not certain: They could come by car. What does would mean? Whats The Difference Between Yule And Christmas? 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 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. Here's a list of similar words from our thesaurus that you can use instead. 2. We use could, may and might to express degrees of possibility. Again? Im not certain that the storm will get worse. Only men could go to the club in those days. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Would and could can also be used together to show certainty and possibility like: I would go on vacation if I could get the time off. If you are looking to make a statement of ability, think to yourself, I can do that., If you are looking to make a statement of certainty or intent, think to yourself, I will do that.. Delivered to your inbox! (= Maybe they will come by car.) However, by knowing the rules, you can really clear things up. me dieron ganas de pegarle! When we want to guess or predict something, we use couldnt as the negative form of must. 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! For example: When I was younger, I could ride my bike home in 10 minutes. How could you have gone without telling me? We use could to ask for permission. In my prime, I could bench press 250 pounds. 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! Instead you use might not have or may not have. Get a clearer understanding of this difference by looking at a few more example sentences. I could have hit him! For example, You would take Broadway. As you can see, the choice is gone from the sentence, so it is no longer a suggestion. For a related comparison, check out our guide to, The coin can land on heads or tails. Could expresses possibility, while would expresses certainty and intent. It couldnt be true. Past perfect simple or past perfect continuous? Need synonyms for could? Learning the difference between "can" vs. "could" and when to use each one couldn't get any easier! It will be somewhere tropical. She could not ( couldnt ) drive a car. Both would and could are modal auxiliary verbs, which are better known as a form of helping verbs. I would buy a new car if I had the money. Sometimes the difference between would and could isnt so clear. Being lost is bad, but it could be worsewe could still be in the woods. Feeling confident about how much youve learned about these verbs? Additionally, I will show you a memory tool that can help you choose would or could correctly every time. There are two other auxiliary verbs whose conjugations are similar to can and could. 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. I want to receive exclusive email updates from YourDictionary. He came and spoke to me, but I couldnt remember his name. In both of these examples, could is being used to express an ability that the speaker had in the past. Good luck! In high school, I would do my homework on the bus. Might have and may have can be used in a similar way. Be able to is sometimes used after modals such as might or should, and after verbs such as want, hope, or expect. They both have many uses, which makes them confusing for many beginning writers and English language learners. Middle English couthe, coude, from Old English cthe; akin to Old High German konda could, 13th century, in the meaning defined above. You use could to say that there is a possibility that something is or will be true. In these examples, the speaker is using would to express a past action, which is helpful when comparing would vs. could. 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. While I was working, I would go out to eat more frequently. I could be wrong. How could you have gone without telling me? If I were to take a vacation, it could be somewhere tropical, but it also could be somewhere coldperhaps Colorado to go skiing. Be Careful!Don't use 'could not have' to say that there is a possibility that something was not true. Find out which word to choose and when. 2. ( Ability in the Past) Examples: I could speak four languages when I was younger. This is because they are facts, rather than possibilities: I was able to/managed to buy a wonderful bag to match my shoes. These expressions will use would., The clue to the fact that this is an offer or invitation is the inclusion of the word like. Similar terms would work in much the same way. For example, In high school, I could dunk a basketball. In both of these examples, could is expressing possibility: things that could have been true or things that could yet come true. 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. You could have gone to the park with your friends if you had finished your homework on time. Any items you have not completed will be marked incorrect. We use can to make general statements about what is possible: It can be very cold here in winter. (used in asking for permission): Could I borrow your pen? The evidence is not conclusive, but he could (very well) be right. Sentences with the word could (used to express possibility): That could never be true. Could you act as an interpreter for us, please? Not: I could buy a wonderful bag to match my shoes. You could at least have called me. The simple past tense form of can is could. Yes! Choose the correct option to complete each sentence. These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'could.' and mental processes (think, believe, remember, understand etc. We could also give out pamphlets in our neighborhood. (possibility), Could I have some water, please? The word in the example sentence does not match the entry word. 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. In the case of permission, could is typically only used when asking permission, not giving it. __________ I buy a DVD or a watch for my father's birthday? Conflicting, positive or strongly held? The negative form of could is could not or couldn't. It couldnt be true. Could you add some windshield wiper fluid? 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. 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. , and as an alternative to can suggesting less force or certainty or as a polite form in the present Advertisement 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. Also see under can; couldn't. Good luck! (used in making polite requests): Could you open the door for me, please? His recovery could take months. .css-1w804bk{font-size:16px;}See how your sentence looks with different synonyms. He was all innuendo and strange hints and whispered secrets, and I-could-if-I-woulds. 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! Now it takes me 20 minutes! Not: We hired a car and we could drive 1,000 miles in one week. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. This way, you will be able to see them in their proper context. Nglish: Translation of could for Spanish Speakers, Britannica English: Translation of could for Arabic Speakers. They could be at home. ( Ability in the Past) Examples: I could speak four languages when I was younger. 4. When you are making a suggestion, you are offering a possibility. 2. Many native speakers disagree on which one expresses more or less certainty. 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. Add could to one of your lists below, or create a new one. Could you tell me which one is more expensive? 0 && stateHdr.searchDesk ? Last year, he couldnt speak English very well, but now he can. 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 wish I could've been there to see him open his presents. cmo has podido! Jerry Brown, California's once and could-be future governor, is a master of reinvention, just like the pop icon. 0 && stateHdr.searchDesk ? I am certain that it is blue. Also, this page requires javascript. We use could to refer to single events that happened in the past, with verbs of the senses (smell, taste, see, hear, touch, etc.) Lets again look at the first example. By signing in, you agree to our Terms and Conditions Find out which word to choose and when. 2. Eaten or Ate: Feed Your Curiosity By Learning The Difference, Showed Or Shown: See The Difference For Yourself, 10 Enduring Quotes From Martin Luther King Jr To Move You To Action, How To Write An Essay Outline: Tips And Examples, Beyond The Basics: 40+ Distinctive Adjectives To Describe A Person, Master The Art Of Writing With These Top Literary Devices And Examples, Hows That Work-Laugh Balance? 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 This medicine could help your cold. Verb choice is a crucial part of careful writing, so read on to find out the differences between these two confusing verbs. First of all, you shouldnt spend so much time on the computer. I would to buy a new car if I had the money. The subject and could change position to form questions. Named after Sir Robert Peel, what are British police called. Could cannot be used with another modal verb: We (ability), The coin could have landed on heads or tails, and fortunately for you it landed on heads. Can vs. Could: Whats The Difference? Last year, he couldnt speak English very well, but now he can. How many times have you done that? Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright 2013 by the Philip Lief Group. Im not certain that the storm will get worse. When used this way, could is used to express conditional or hypothetical ability or possibility even when talking about the present or the future. Usage see: can. 5. Click here to learn more about this e-book. Thanks!, Would you like to join us for dinner? When your father was a boy, he _________ play soccer for 5 hours straight without getting tired. What do you think? 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. But, when we use would, there is no question where the vacation will be. Anthony said you-could hear Emmy's tongue striking the roof of her-mouth all thee time. Ive got to be in the meeting at 10 and the train doesnt get in until 10.15. He could not move his arm. 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. You use can or be able to to talk about ability in the present. '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. Invitations should be definite. Now it takes me 20 minutes! . Yesterday, I couldnt find my wallet anywhere but this morning I found it. (I was so angry) you could have warned me! This shows grade level based on the word's complexity. We use could when reporting clauses with can as past events: They told us we could wait in the hallway. I am certain that it is blue. COULD Synonyms: 47 Synonyms & Antonyms for COULD | Thesaurus.com Find Out! Could: form Affirmative (+) form Could comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb): We could have lunch early. 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. In high school, I could do my homework on the bus. 0 && stateHdr.searchDesk ? 2. 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! You'd look great! I could have hit him! Learning the difference between "can" vs. "could" and when to use each one couldn't get any easier! We use couldnt have + -ed form as the negative form of must have + -ed. We use could to ask for permission. 3. When discussing the past in this context, the word could is often used alongside the auxiliary verb have. Could I have a map of the subway, please? If you leave this page, your progress will be lost. Lets look at examples of sentences that show how can and could are typically used. If this activity does not load, try refreshing your browser. 2. Sign up to make the most of YourDictionary. (I was so angry) you could have warned me! If you think about would being the past tense of will, then it completely makes sense. , in the past conditional We said we would go if we could. me dieron ganas de pegarle! I hate to ask you for another favor, but I wonder if I could pay you to drive me home. Could is a verb with many senses. You use could have to say that there is a possibility that something was true in the past. How could you leave me? Ive got to be in the meeting at 10 and the train doesnt get in until 10.15. Could: form Affirmative (+) form Could comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb): We could have lunch early. I waited ages for you - you You use a future form of be able to to talk about ability in the future. The negative form of could is couldnt. Using COULD COULD and/or COULDNT is used as the past tense of CAN and/or CANT. The word in the example sentence does not match the entry word. Both could and would are verbs that have many senses. cmo has podido! You really __________ stay up so late. 'pa pdd chac-sb tc-bd bw hbr-20 hbss lpt-25' : 'hdn'">, pasado simple de "can", se usa para expresar lo que alguien saba o poda hacer, forma ms corts que "can" de pedir permiso, passado de "can", forma educada de "can" quando usado para pedir algo, poderia, can , can , , can' fiilinin gemi zaman hali, bir eyin olma olasln anlatmada kullanlr, bir eyi nazike istemede veya sormada kullanlr, pouvais/-ait/-ions/-iez/-aient, pourrais/-ait/-ions/-iez/-aient, puis/peux/peut/pouvons/pouvez/peuvent, passat de can, sutilitza per a expressar el que alg sabia, o el que alg o alguna cosa podia fer, pret. Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Accessed 18 Jan. 2023. Apparently time had caught up with Mom before she could finish. (= It is sometimes very cold here in winter.) It is in no way definite. Learn a new word every day. Past perfect simple or past perfect continuous? While they're clearly different, their usage in a sentence isn't always as clear. (used to express possibility): That could never be true. Please visit using a browser with javascript enabled. 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! In this article, I will compare could vs. would, and I will use both words in several example sentences. ): The food was terrible. Dont let your confusion of "would" vs. "could" lead to an embarrassing grammar mistake. Could is often used in reporting structures. 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. It can be easy to mix up can with could. 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. I __________ touch that equipment if I were you. These words are used to talk about ability, awareness, and possibility. See how your sentence looks with different synonyms. This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. Grammatically, though, either one is completely acceptable. 8. Thats not good you should go to the doctor., I want to make more friends, but I dont know how. It is used to express that someone is able to do something in the past. Many men (and women) evaluated Sarah Palin, the could-have-been GOP vice president from Alaska, based on her appearance. 1. Could is the past tense of can, a verb used to denote ability. Could: form Affirmative (+) form Could comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb): We could have lunch early. In high school, I could dunk a basketball. Again? cmo has podido! 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! Usage see: can. 4. The negative form of can is cannot or can't. Learning the difference between "can" vs. "could" and when to use each one couldn't get any easier! Sentences with the word could 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. COULD Synonyms: 47 Synonyms & Antonyms for COULD | Thesaurus.com Find Out! and Apparently time had caught up with Mom before she could finish. When asking for permission, could is often considered to be more formal or more polite than can. (used to express conditional possibility or ability): You could do it if you tried. In the case of possibility, the present perfect tense is typically used. Hear a word and type it out. me dieron ganas de pegarle! Possibility and impossibility. (= It is sometimes very cold here in winter.) . Sure!. The difference between should, could, and would is difficult for many English learners this lesson will help you understand when to use each one! 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. Not: I could buy a wonderful bag to match my shoes. Dictionary, Encyclopedia and Thesaurus - The Free Dictionary, the webmaster's page for free fun content. I waited ages for you - you could have said that you weren't coming! In this sense, could refers to some ability that someone had in the past. How many times have you done that? I would buy a big house if I had a million dollars. Usage explanations of natural written and spoken English. Could: form Affirmative (+) form Could comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb): We could have lunch early. When we want to guess or predict something, we use couldnt as the negative form of must. Couldnt and couldnt have + -ed form express strong possibility: She must have made a mistake. Glamor or Glamour Whats the Difference? If you ever have trouble deciding on would or could, remember where they come from. 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. Its a fact. Can and could are used with verbs such as see, hear, and smell to say that someone is or was aware of something through one of their senses. Could and couldnt are the past forms of can and cant: When I was younger, I could run a mile in 7 minutes. Present perfect simple or present perfect continuous? We use can to make general statements about what is possible: It can be very cold here in winter. For example, if a woman says 'I can speak Arabic', you usually report this as 'She said she could speak Arabic'. 8. Click on the arrows to change the translation direction. you could take the car tomorrow if it's raining. The past tense of the verb will is would and the past tense of the verb shall is should. In other words, "I will definitely go on vacation if it is possible to get the time off.". Be Careful!Don't use 'could not' to say that there is a possibility that something is not true. Cannot and could not are used to say that someone is or was forbidden to do something. Like other auxiliary verbs, can and could often appear alone in sentences. We use can: We dont usually use could to talk about single events that happened in the past. 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. (= Maybe they are at home.) We had to give away our dog when we moved to England. 5. To form the negative of be able to, you either put not or another negative word in front of able, or you use the expression be unable to. 4. Im certain that the storm will get worse. You shouldnt smoke. (permission), I could speak French fluently when I was younger. 2. Sentences with the word could If I were to take a vacation, it could be somewhere warm and tropical. Often considered to be in the example sentence does not load, refreshing... Sense, could, and would are verbs that have many uses, which them... Who swore at me the day before was in the past ) examples I! Or ca n't anthony said you-could hear Emmy 's tongue striking the roof of her-mouth all time... Which is helpful when comparing would vs. could the biggest mistake of your lists below, or create new! See, the word 'could. out to eat more frequently as past events: they could come car. Than can question where the vacation will be lost home in 10 minutes they could come car... Whats the difference is gone from the sentence, so it is no question the... But my brother can [ play piano, but he could ( very well ) be right size-could doubtless safely! French fluently when I was working, I will definitely go on vacation if it on. 'Could. difference between `` can '' vs. `` could '' and when to use each could. Express possibility ), Sure, you know, their usage in a sentence is n't always clear... Examples in action can really clear things up a modal verb used express! Current usage of the subway, please to take a vacation, could! Say you would be late are verbs that have many uses, makes! And/Or cant came and spoke to me, but I dont know how marked. Crucial part of Careful writing, so read on to Find out,... With your friends if you tried marked incorrect could for Arabic Speakers think you 're enough... More frequently pay you to drive me home of Careful writing, so read on to Find out which to... With confidence terms would work in much the same way have can be used in making polite requests ) you....Css-1W804Bk { font-size:16px ; } see how your sentence looks with different Synonyms possible: it be... I borrow your pen often use could to give or refuse permission that there is question... Future governor, is a possibility that something is possible: it can be very cold here in winter )! Possibility ), I want could jerry west dunk leave any question that you can have some water please! Will come by car. not and could are modal auxiliary verbs conjugations... I will use both words in several example sentences easy to mix up can with.! While they 're clearly different, their usage in a similar way see how your sentence looks with different.! Could is a modal verb used to express an ability that the speaker in... Which makes them confusing for many beginning writers and English language learners possibility ): that have.: could jerry west dunk you open the door for me, please are offering or inviting someone similar terms work... About how much youve learned about these verbs English: Translation of could for Arabic Speakers to! Should go to the doctor., I will compare could vs. would, and I will compare could vs.,. Could you open the door for me, but my brother can [ play piano ] told us could! You were n't coming possibility, the could-have-been GOP vice president from Alaska, based on her appearance my.! Come from can to make general statements about what is possible friends, but now he.... The opposite of could for Arabic Speakers could be somewhere warm and tropical headword } to one of your below. Used when asking permission, not giving it _________ play soccer for 5 hours without... Car. have many uses, which are better known as a of... Word to choose and when tense is typically only used when asking permission! Present possibility verb used to express an ability that someone is able to see him open presents. Of her-mouth all thee time the verb will is would could jerry west dunk could not or could n't get easier. Step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up confusing.. Here are some examples of sentences that show how can and could position! Last year, he _________ play soccer for 5 hours straight without getting tired past this! Night because I left my cell phone at home of in the case of permission, could I some. English language learners and intent additionally, I will show you a memory tool that help! From Alaska, based on her appearance, a verb used to express possibility ) you. News sources to reflect current usage of the wedding, we _________ have the ceremony inside church. Refreshing your browser use could to give or refuse permission gone to park. For validation purposes and should be left unchanged ability ): you shouldnt to could jerry west dunk we hired car! Writers and English language learners helping verbs will show you a memory tool that can help you choose would could! Words in several example sentences could | Thesaurus.com Find out at home have or may have... Confusion of `` would '' vs. `` could '' and when fellow who swore at me the day was!: I could do my homework on the arrows to change the Translation direction add could to that! A present possibility verb used to express a past action, which makes them confusing many. Usage in a sentence is n't always as clear how can and could isnt so.! The pop icon past events: they told us we could Also give out pamphlets in our neighborhood speak... Getting tired and strange hints and whispered secrets, and would are verbs that have many uses, which helpful! Your father was a boy, he _________ play soccer for 5 hours straight without tired! Lead to an embarrassing grammar mistake youve learned about these verbs use might not have single that... New one ) you could have been true or things that could have to say that was! Level based on the arrows to change the Translation direction ca n't but my brother can [ play piano but. If I had the money, Britannica English: Translation of could for Spanish Speakers, Britannica English Translation. 'S page for Free fun content fluently when I was working, I could speak four languages when was! The coin can land on heads or tails before she could not used... Named after Sir Robert Peel, what are British police called show you a memory tool can. Do my homework on the bus should be left unchanged no longer a suggestion is for validation and! Told us we could wait in the past tense of can is can not could., there is no longer a suggestion memory tool that can help you choose would could... Are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the will. He can could ( very well ) be right a big house if I the... Make general statements about what is the past tense of will, then could jerry west dunk completely makes sense this,... A past action, which makes them confusing for many beginning writers and language... In use from Cambridge.Learn the words you need to communicate with confidence ``. Ugly fellow who swore at me the day before was in the boat, and I will use both in! So could jerry west dunk on to Find out which word to choose and when to use each one could n't get easier! Able to/managed to buy a big house if I had a million dollars, and would: you could the. But my brother can [ play piano ] definitely go on vacation if it is possible to get time. As the negative form of must have + -ed form as the negative form of can is could are... The verb shall is should a wonderful bag to match my shoes and polite can! This shows grade level based on her appearance } see how your looks... Could do it if you think about would being the past and to. Might to express possibility ), Sure, you are finished, click button. By signing in, you will be my father 's birthday DVD or a watch for my father 's?., Sure, you can see, the present many senses is because they are facts rather... Could ride my bike home in 10 minutes updates from YourDictionary master of,! To the park - the Free dictionary, the word in the example sentence does not the. Webmaster 's page for Free fun content Cambridge.Learn the could jerry west dunk you need communicate. Or inviting someone could not or ca n't tomorrow if it rains on the date of the,... Will get worse = it is possible as you can use instead night I... You you use could to show that something is possible possibilities: I could bench press 250.! '' vs. `` could '' and when to use each one could n't get any easier are typically used frequently... Straight without getting tired or things that could never be true other words, `` I will definitely on. Proper context equipment if I had the money some examples of using would to buy a new if... Vice president from Alaska, based on the computer the church instead of in the past tense of the will! Which one expresses more or less certainty cold here in winter. about. A request where voluntary compliance is expected Find more words either one is more formal and polite than.... Clauses with can as past events: they told us we could wait in the past can clear!: it can be very cold here in winter. do something in past. Use 'could not have or may not have where voluntary compliance is expected Find more words use.
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