The meaning of COULD is —used in auxiliary function in the past, in the past conditional, and as an alternative to can suggesting less force or certainty or as a polite form in the present. How …

COULD definition: 1. past simple of "can", used to talk about what someone or something was able or allowed to do…. Learn more.

Could is also used to talk about ability in the present, but it has a special meaning. If you say that someone could do something, you mean that they have the ability to do it, but they don't in fact …

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

We use could have to say that someone had the ability or opportunity to do something, but did not do it: She could have learned Swahili, but she didn't want to.

You use could to talk about a possibility, ability, or opportunity that depends on other conditions. Their hope was that a new and better East Germany could be born.

Nov 18, 2025 · Used to politely ask for permission to do something. Could I borrow your coat? Used to politely ask for someone else to do something. Could you proofread this email? I …

'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 …

Etymology The modals can and could are from Old English can (n) and cuþ, which were respectively the present and preterite forms of the verb cunnan ("be able"). The silent l in the …

COULD definition: a simple past tense of can. See examples of could used in a sentence.