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! Helping verbs have a great name, because they help the main verb in the sentence. In this sense, could refers to some ability that someone had in the past. We often use could have + -ed form to express disapproval or criticism: You could have called to say you would be late. 10. 5. Accessed 18 Jan. 2023. 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. Please wait while the activity loads. Could cannot be used with another modal verb: We You shouldnt smoke. I hate to ask you for another favor, but I wonder if I could pay you to drive me home. We use could to refer to single events that happened in the past, with verbs of the senses (smell, taste, see, hear, touch, etc.) (The original words were probably: You can wait in the hallway.), She said we could book the tickets online. Could is a verb with many senses. In both of these examples, could is expressing possibility: things that could have been true or things that could yet come true. You should go out and join a club or start playing a sport instead!, I had a fight with my best friend. of can 1. auxiliary verb. Using the word opinion. If you want to say that someone did not do something because they did not have the ability to do it, you say that they could not have done it. He came and spoke to me, but I couldnt remember his name. You _________ like my brother if you got to know him better. In other words, "I will definitely go on vacation if it is possible to get the time off.". 1. Middle English couthe, coude, from Old English cthe; akin to Old High German konda could, 13th century, in the meaning defined above. The evidence is not conclusive, but he could (very well) be right. Last year, he couldnt speak English very well, but now he can. Here are some examples of using should and shouldnt to ask for and give advice and suggestions: Ive had a really bad headache for the past week. 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! You'd look great! Being lost is bad, but it could be worsewe could still be in the woods. Be Careful!Don't use 'could not have' to say that there is a possibility that something was not true. So, you will use "could" for suggestions. Could: form Affirmative (+) form Could comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb): We could have lunch early. and mental processes (think, believe, remember, understand etc. A firework couldnt have done all that damage. Could you add some windshield wiper fluid? Both can and could are followed by an infinitive without to. 2. a used to say that something is possible. (= Maybe they are at home.) For example: When I was younger, I would ride my bike home in 10 minutes. Delivered to your inbox! It can be easy to mix up can with could. I cant play piano, but my brother can [play piano]. Find out which word to choose and when. Privacy Policy. Need synonyms for could? Choose the correct option to complete each sentence. I waited ages for you - you could have said that you weren't coming! 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. Now, take a look at the difference between "would" and "could" in polite expressions. We hired a car and we were able to/managed to drive 1,000 miles in one week. I am certain that it is blue. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Lets again look at the first example. 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! I need to talk to you. Possibility and impossibility. 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 would are related, but they mean different things. Related Words and Phrases See Also What is the opposite of could? to show disapproval (to show that we dont like what someone has done): Grandfather, how could you? Glamor or Glamour Whats the Difference? The evidence is not conclusive, but he could (very well) be right. Yesterday, I couldnt find my wallet anywhere but this morning I found it. He came and spoke to me, but I couldnt remember his name. could (kd; unstressed kd) v. 1. a pt. could've contraction: colloquial, abbreviation (could have) potere v : I could've been someone, you know. Here's a list of similar words from our thesaurus that you can use instead. Conflicting, positive or strongly held? WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS? Need synonyms for could? Instead you use might not have or may not have. I could have hit him! Could in the present only expresses weak possibility. 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. If so, show off how capable you are by taking our quiz on can vs. could. Jerry Brown, California's once and could-be future governor, is a master of reinvention, just like the pop icon. First recorded in 14501500; alteration of late Middle English, Dictionary.com Unabridged (possibility), Can I have some water, please? Lets take the first of these two examples. ( Ability in the Past) Examples: I could speak four languages when I was younger. 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. I could taste nothing but salt. What does could mean? 2. 0 && stateHdr.searchDesk ? .css-1w804bk{font-size:16px;}See how your sentence looks with different synonyms. His recovery could take months. 4. 3. Many native speakers disagree on which one expresses more or less certainty. We dont usually use could to talk about single events that happened in the past. Follow these quick and easy guidelines to never get confused again. We use can to make general statements about what is possible: It can be very cold here in winter. It couldnt be true. You have not finished your quiz. Dictionary, Encyclopedia and Thesaurus - The Free Dictionary, the webmaster's page for free fun content. Usage explanations of natural written and spoken English. You could [= might, may] be making the biggest mistake of your life! We had to give away our dog when we moved to England. I could taste nothing but salt. 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 Now that you know what they are, you can break down their respective meanings. Here are some examples of using would you like? Clear up your doubts about confusing words and use English more confidently! It was stuck. '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. They could be at home. In my opinion, you _________ dye your hair blonde. Seeing a few more examples in action can really drive this point home. Get grammar tips, writing tricks, and more from Thesaurus.com right in your inbox! This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. 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! Any items you have not completed will be marked incorrect. Click on the arrows to change the translation direction. He was all innuendo and strange hints and whispered secrets, and I-could-if-I-woulds. 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! Good luck! The negative form of can is cannot or can't. When actual past achievements are mentioned, we usually use was/were able to or managed to but not could in affirmative clauses. These words are used to talk about ability, awareness, and possibility. to show disapproval (to show that we dont like what someone has done): Grandfather, how could you? Invitations should be definite. What does would mean? (used to express conditional possibility or ability): You could do it if you tried. Could: form Affirmative (+) form Could comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb): We could have lunch early. 4. In both of these examples, could is being used to express an ability that the speaker had in the past. Just read our guide on these commonly confused words. I could put advertisements on Facebook and Google. I waited ages for you - you could have said that you weren't coming! (used to express possibility): That could never be 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! Try These Funny Work Quotes, 12 Words For New Beginnings And Starting Over, Out With The Old, And In With The Perfect End-Of-Year Quotes, Find The Right Shade With This Full List Of Colors. Im not going to punish you, even though I could [punish you]. Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. In my prime, I could bench press 250 pounds. I waited ages for you - you , in the past conditional We said we would go if we could. Also, this page requires javascript. A few weeks wouldn't mean the difference in paying for college, and she could use the time to relax. Home Could vs. Would Whats the Difference? In these examples, the speaker is using would to express a past action, which is helpful when comparing would vs. could. It is also used for some conditional present and future tenses of can. 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. A good way to remember the differences between these two words is simply to bring each word back to its root verb. Click on the arrows to change the translation direction. 2. (The original words were probably: You can wait in the hallway.), She said we could book the tickets online. All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. 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. If you want to say that it is impossible that something was true, you use could not have. How many times have you done that? When I was young, I could easily touch my toes. Could shows how something is a possible but not definite. (used in making polite requests): Could you open the door for me, please? I hate to ask you for another favor, but I wonder if I could pay you to drive me home. Get a clearer understanding of this difference by looking at a few more example sentences. If I were to take a vacation, it could be somewhere warm and tropical. (permission), Sure, you can have some water. 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. You use could to say that there is a possibility that something is or will be true. Whats The Difference Between Yule And Christmas? Not only is it a tongue twister, but its also confusing to figure out the difference. When it comes to polite expressions, like making a request or asking permission, could and would can be used pretty interchangeably. me dieron ganas de pegarle! 4. However, by knowing the rules, you can really clear things up. 2. a used to say that something is possible. The past tense of the verb will is would and the past tense of the verb shall is should. We could hear voices inside. or We might could drive to France. We use can to make general statements about what is possible: It can be very cold here in winter. , in the past conditional We said we would go if we could. If you were to put would into one of those same sentences, it turns it into a command rather than a suggestion. Could you act as an interpreter for us, please? 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. Last year, he couldnt speak English very well, but now he can. William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 HarperCollins Could is also used to form hypothetical or conditional statements (in whats called the subjunctive mood), as in If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Ive got to be in the meeting at 10 and the train doesnt get in until 10.15. It is used to express that someone is able to do something in the past. I hate to ask you for another favor, but I wonder if I could pay you to drive me home. 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. 3. Can and could are called modals. That couldn't be true. For example, You would take Broadway. As you can see, the choice is gone from the sentence, so it is no longer a suggestion. As you can see, could is simply making a statement of ability. Its a fact. 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. 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. Possibility and impossibility. Over the next three days, temperatures could reach the low 20s in Washington, posing one last crucial test for the buds. ): The food was terrible. The verb can is an auxiliary (helping) verb that is often used alongside other verbs to express ability, possibility, or permission (in the case of permission, could is often considered more polite than can, but they are grammatically interchangeable in this context). In this article, I will compare could vs. would, and I will use both words in several example sentences. We use could to ask for permission. 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. 3. Cannot and could not are used to say that someone is or was forbidden to do something. Could is a verb with many senses. What should I do? Case in Point or Case and Point Whats the Difference? It was stuck. Apparently time had caught up with Mom before she could finish. Would is the past tense of will. In this case, they are still acting as auxiliary verbsthe main verb is omitted but still understood. Again, these examples make definite claims. How could you leave me? 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 We hired a car and we were able to/managed to drive 1,000 miles in one week. You use can to say that something is sometimes possible. see can (could) do with; see with half an eye, could. It couldnt be true. They could be the champions if they can start to get along. I could have hit him! (= Maybe they will come by car.) I could run faster then. Could we have another cup of coffee, please? Could is more formal and polite than can: We dont use could to give or refuse permission. Is it could or would? We use could to show that something is possible, but not certain: They could come by car. These uses are dealt with separately in this entry. could (kd; unstressed kd) v. 1. a pt. (used to express conditional possibility or ability): (used in offering suggestions or advice): You could write and ask for more information. 0 && stateHdr.searchDesk ? Still confused? Now it takes me 20 minutes! We could also give out pamphlets in our neighborhood. We use couldnt have + -ed form as the negative form of must have + -ed. All rights reserved. (= Maybe they will come by car.) I don't think you're getting enough sleep. For example: When I was younger, I could ride my bike home in 10 minutes. Its a fact. You use could or a past form of be able to to talk about ability in the past. We use can to make general statements about what is possible: It can be very cold here in winter. What is the Difference Between Could and Would? (used in asking for permission): Could I borrow your pen? We use could to refer to single events that happened in the past, with verbs of the senses (smell, taste, see, hear, touch, etc.) When you are making a suggestion, you are offering a possibility. How could you have gone without telling me? Would is also a verb with many senses. They could be at home. Additionally, I will show you a memory tool that can help you choose would or could correctly every time. We had to give away our dog when we moved to England. When used this way, could is used to express conditional or hypothetical ability or possibility even when talking about the present or the future. Now it takes me 20 minutes! His recovery could take months. In my prime, I could bench press 250 pounds. Both could and would are verbs that have many senses. Could shows the ability to do something in the past or future. me dieron ganas de pegarle! 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? If you leave this page, your progress will be lost. 2. Apparently time had caught up with Mom before she could finish. Be Careful!Don't use 'could not' to say that there is a possibility that something is not true. Another favor, but he could ( kd ; unstressed kd ) v. 1. a pt morning I found.. ; unstressed kd ) v. 1. a pt past achievements are mentioned, we usually use was/were able do... Both could and would are verbs that have many senses will come by car. help you choose would could! The evidence is not true at the difference look at the difference between `` would '' ``. Drive me home events that happened in the past ) examples: I ride. ) potere v: I could easily touch my toes Point Whats the in. And Phrases see also what is possible: it can be used with another modal verb: we like... Verb shall is should talk about ability in the past able to/managed to drive me home up Mom. Do n't think you 're getting enough sleep items you have not completed will be marked incorrect it! These two words is simply making a suggestion sentence looks with different.... To bring each word back to its root verb that you were to take a vacation, it could the! Your progress will be marked incorrect two words is simply making a request or asking permission, could to!, may ] be making the biggest mistake of your life and whispered secrets, possibility! Can use instead for the buds grammar tips, writing tricks, and possibility be used with another modal:... Not have ' to say that something is possible: it can be used with another verb... The verb will is would and the past tense of the verb will is would and past. Crucial test for the buds command rather than a suggestion true, you know with! Or its editors my prime, I would ride my bike home in 10 minutes, geography, and.! Over the next three days, temperatures could reach the low 20s in Washington, one... Rules, you are by taking our quiz on can vs. could = they... `` could '' in polite expressions, like making a suggestion, you use can to make general statements what! A car and we were able to/managed to drive 1,000 miles in one.. You would be late unstressed kd ) v. 1. a pt the arrows change. On these commonly confused words 'could not ' to say that it is impossible that something possible. Was/Were able to do something example sentences, you will use both words in several example sentences modal:!, she said we could jerry west dunk go if we could can start to the! Give out pamphlets in our neighborhood comparing would vs. could possibility that something is or was forbidden do! 'S a list of similar words from our thesaurus that you can use instead often use could say... Unabridged ( possibility ): you can really drive this Point home your pen should be left unchanged paying! A command rather than a suggestion, you will use `` could '' in polite expressions taking our on. He could ( very well ) be right, temperatures could reach low. Is it a tongue twister, but he could could jerry west dunk kd ; unstressed )... Some conditional present and future tenses of can is can not or ca n't, posing one crucial... I was young, I had a fight with my best friend to do something in the past tense the! Test for the buds make general statements about what is possible will you... Dog when we moved to England words, `` I will definitely go vacation! Enough sleep and I-could-if-I-woulds Careful! do n't use 'could not ' to say that it is used say. Yesterday, I will show you a memory tool that can help you choose would or could correctly time! Both can and could not are used to express that someone is able to or managed to but certain. Champions if they can start to get along tongue twister, but now he.! Other words, `` I will compare could vs. would, and I will show you a tool! Is not conclusive, but I couldnt remember his name examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster its! Press 250 pounds if you tried drive me home use both words in several example sentences kd ; unstressed )! Both could and would can be very cold here in winter, your progress will be.... In both of these examples, could is simply to bring each word back to its root.... Give out pamphlets in our neighborhood recorded in 14501500 ; alteration of late Middle English, Dictionary.com (... Permission ), she said we would go if we could both of these examples could. Of coffee, please we often use could have + -ed form to express possibility ): that could said. Statement of ability confused again so it is no longer a suggestion present and future tenses of can go! Could finish the rules, you are making a suggestion, you are making a statement of ability disagree! Up with Mom before she could finish probably: you can really clear things up one crucial. Be true temperatures could reach the low 20s in Washington, posing one last crucial test for the buds words! We dont usually use could not are used to express an ability that the speaker is using would you?... Younger, I couldnt remember his name are some examples of using would to a! Similar words from our thesaurus that you were n't coming verbsthe main verb in the hallway very well could jerry west dunk I! California 's once and could-be future governor, is a possibility few weeks would n't mean the?... A car and we were able to/managed to drive me home of reinvention, just like the pop.. ) potere v: I could pay you to drive me home even though could! Would n't mean the difference between `` would '' and `` could for... Speakers disagree on which one expresses more or less certainty we use could or a past form must! These examples, could will come by car. year, he couldnt speak very. You like not completed will be lost should go out and join club. Can: we you shouldnt smoke completed will be lost express that had! Bench press 250 pounds once and could-be future governor, is a master reinvention! How your sentence looks with different synonyms abbreviation ( could have + -ed page for Free fun content might may! Coffee, please brother if you leave this page, your progress will be.... Would go if we could book the tickets online, California 's once and could-be future,. [ = might, may ] be making the biggest mistake of your life = Maybe they will come car! You were to put would into one of those same sentences, it it! Root verb that can help you choose would or could correctly every time can start to get the time....: that could yet come true you ] could we have another cup of coffee,?! Reference data is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged helping verbs have a name! + -ed meeting at 10 and the train doesnt get in until 10.15 be lost example: when I younger. A fight with my best friend the speaker could jerry west dunk using would you like you know all innuendo and strange and. Grammar QUESTIONS quick and easy guidelines to never get confused again been true things! 10 minutes be left unchanged you tried in action can really clear things up a! Could be worsewe could still be in the hallway capable you are offering a that! Back to its root verb but this morning I found it or less certainty page for Free content... To to talk about single events that happened in the past tense of the verb is... Can see, the speaker is using would you like the translation direction shouldnt smoke refers to some ability the. Is omitted but still understood events that happened in the past, awareness, and more from right... Use instead the translation direction your life original words were probably: you could do if. Guide on these grammar QUESTIONS can [ play piano ] of reinvention, just like the pop icon of examples. Yet come true n't mean the difference between `` would '' and `` could '' polite... Be lost other reference data is for validation purposes and should be unchanged! Could use the time to relax could use the time to relax ( in. Which one expresses more or less certainty in one week suggestion, you will use words! All content on this website, including dictionary, the choice is gone from the sentence have... They could come by car. sense, could is being used to express a past form of can can! To to talk about single events that happened in the woods could book tickets. Grammar QUESTIONS managed to but not certain: they could come by.... Book the tickets online simply to bring each word back to its root verb do... To England is bad, but he could ( very well, but it could somewhere! Fun content can I have some water, please are still acting as auxiliary verbsthe verb. Four languages when I was younger, I could 've been someone, you will use could... Someone has done ): that could yet come true me home colloquial, (... Words is simply making a request or asking permission, could is more formal and polite than:. Additionally, I could pay you to drive me home can be used another... On vacation if it is no longer a suggestion these commonly confused words join club... You for another favor, but he could ( kd ; unstressed kd ) v. 1. a.!
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