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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Random House, Inc. 2023, Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition Could and can are used to talk about possibility in the present or future. Sentences with the word could We use could to show that something is possible, but not certain: They could come by car. The word could is also often used for the subjunctive mood, which is used to express hypothetical or conditional statements. Can expresses strong possibility: The word in the example sentence does not match the entry word. We use couldnt have + -ed form as the negative form of must have + -ed. It looks dangerous. Could cannot be used with another modal verb: We I simply had the ability to do so. Could is a verb with many senses. Be Careful!Don't use 'could not' to say that there is a possibility that something is not true. 2. a used to say that something is possible. We could hear voices inside. For example, In high school, I could dunk a basketball. Could. Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/could. 2. I would buy a new car if I had the money. 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. Im not certain that the storm will get worse. I had the ability to do my homework on the bus, but this doesnt mean that I did. (used in making polite requests): Could you open the door for me, please? A few weeks wouldn't mean the difference in paying for college, and she could use the time to relax. I could be wrong. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. They could be at home. When I was young, I could easily touch my toes. That ugly fellow who swore at me the day before was in the boat, and I c-could understand him. You have not finished your quiz. Could in the present only expresses weak possibility. I wonder who that could be at the door. Although they seem similar, there are definite situations when one word is more appropriate than the other. 4. Using COULD COULD and/or COULDNT is used as the past tense of CAN and/or CANT. We use can: We dont usually use could to talk about single events that happened in the past. First of all, you shouldnt spend so much time on the computer. I __________ call you last night because I left my cell phone at home. 10. We use could, may and might to express degrees of possibility. You shouldnt smoke. 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. We use can: We dont usually use could to talk about single events that happened in the past. (= Maybe they will come by car.) Can you use these words interchangeably or not? Instead you use might not or may not. Sure!. Please visit using a browser with javascript enabled. As you can see, could is simply making a statement of ability. 1. 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. to show disapproval (to show that we dont like what someone has done): Grandfather, how could you? We often use could have + -ed form to express disapproval or criticism: You could have called to say you would be late. , in the past conditional We said we would go if we could. I could have hit him! See how your sentence looks with different synonyms. For example, you could say: However, there are a few instances of polite expression where you only use would or could. Learn why. I would to buy a new car if I had the money. I __________ touch that equipment if I were you. Could is also the past tense of can. Couldnt and couldnt have + -ed form express strong possibility: She must have made a mistake. Need synonyms for could? If you leave this page, your progress will be lost. His recovery could take months. Many men (and women) evaluated Sarah Palin, the could-have-been GOP vice president from Alaska, based on her appearance. Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012. Could we have another cup of coffee, please? And Glora and Alanin our present size-could doubtless disembark safely. 4. could've contraction: colloquial, abbreviation (could have) potere v : I could've been someone, you know. Yesterday, I couldnt find my wallet anywhere but this morning I found it. Case in Point or Case and Point Whats the Difference? He could play football well when he was a kid. He came and spoke to me, but I couldnt remember his name. When used this way, could is used to express conditional or hypothetical ability or possibility even when talking about the present or the future. Here's a list of similar words from our thesaurus that you can use instead. Verb Expressing a present possibility Verb Used to express a request where voluntary compliance is expected Find more words! We had to give away our dog when we moved to England. Now it takes me 20 minutes! I could taste nothing but salt. Could: form Affirmative (+) form Could comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb): We could have lunch early. 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. Please wait while the activity loads. I waited ages for you - you could have said that you weren't coming! ( Ability in the Past) Examples: I could speak four languages when I was younger. Glamor or Glamour Whats the Difference? I would to buy a new car if I had the money. Could is more formal and polite than can: We dont use could to give or refuse permission. 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. Wellbeing or Well-Being Which is Correct? The word can is an auxiliary verb (or helping verb) and a modal verb. It is used to express that someone is able to do something in the past. 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. 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. To reach the castle, we could either use the mountain path or the forest trail. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. 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. You use can or be able to to talk about ability in the present. If you want to say that it is impossible that something is true, you use cannot or could not. Would is also a modal verb used to denote possibility, and it often refers to something that is conditional but definite within those conditions. You should go out and join a club or start playing a sport instead!, I had a fight with my best friend. Doing my homework on the bus was something that I did do, not just something that I had the ability to do. When we want to guess or predict something, we use couldnt as the negative form of must. I could put advertisements on Facebook and Google. He came and spoke to me, but I couldnt remember his name. of can 1. auxiliary verb. of can 1. auxiliary verb. Again? 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. How many times have you done that? 4. If I were to take a vacation, it could be somewhere warm and tropical. When actual past achievements are mentioned, we usually use was/were able to or managed to but not could in affirmative clauses. This medicine could help your cold. Whats The Difference Between Yule And Christmas? 10. 1. me dieron ganas de pegarle! 2. When your father was a boy, he _________ play soccer for 5 hours straight without getting tired. Do you think Batman could beat Superman in basketball? 2. Not: We hired a car and we could drive 1,000 miles in one week. Im certain that the storm will get worse. It is also used for some conditional present and future tenses of can. We use could to ask for permission. Can vs. Could: Whats The Difference? Just read our guide on these commonly confused words. 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 Could: form Affirmative (+) form Could comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb): We could have lunch early. Conflicting, positive or strongly held? (used in asking for permission): Could I borrow your pen? For example: When I was younger, I would ride my bike home in 10 minutes. Its a fact. This could be our only chance to get out of here. 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. In high school, I would do my homework on the bus. 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? Learning the difference between "can" vs. "could" and when to use each one couldn't get any easier! Choose the correct option to complete each sentence. 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. I am certain that it is blue. (The speaker remembers hearing You can book the tickets online.). The evidence is not conclusive, but he could (very well) be right. Like other auxiliary verbs, can and could often appear alone in sentences. ( Ability in the Past) Examples: I could speak four languages when I was younger. How to use a word that (literally) drives some pe Editor Emily Brewster clarifies the difference. Yesterday, I couldnt find my wallet anywhere but this morning I found it. 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. What is the Difference Between Could and Would? Find out which word to choose and when. She could not ( couldnt ) drive a car. Being lost is bad, but it could be worsewe could still be in the woods. A few weeks wouldn't mean the difference in paying for college, and she could use the time to relax. These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'could.' Using COULD COULD and/or COULDNT is used as the past tense of CAN and/or CANT. of can 1. auxiliary verb. (= It is sometimes very cold here in winter.) Is this year's Sundance sales frenzy a direct result of last year's little-movie-that-could? , and as an alternative to can suggesting less force or certainty or as a polite form in the present 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. Could cannot be used with another modal verb: We We use can to make general statements about what is possible: It can be very cold here in winter. 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. Yes! 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. Privacy Policy. In my prime, I could bench press 250 pounds. We knew they were in there. While I was working, I would go out to eat more frequently. Could: form Affirmative (+) form Could comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb): We could have lunch early. This medicine could help your cold. You may surprise yourself with what youve learned! Be Careful!Don't use 'could not have' to say that there is a possibility that something was not true. We use can to make general statements about what is possible: It can be very cold here in winter. 5. 2. Might and may can be used in a similar way. We had to give away our dog when we moved to England. Malinger More With This Word Of The Day Quiz! They could be at home. 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. Here are some examples of using would you like? Just read our guide on these commonly confused words. 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. In high school, I could do my homework on the bus. Advertisement Related Words and Phrases See Also What is the opposite of could? Nglish: Translation of could for Spanish Speakers, Britannica English: Translation of could for Arabic Speakers. If loading fails, click here to try again. Related Words and Phrases See Also What is the opposite of could? He could play football well when he was a kid. The subject and could change position to form questions. 2. a used to say that something is possible. Again? 3. His recovery could take months. Conflicting, positive or strongly held? Both would and could are modal auxiliary verbs, which are better known as a form of helping verbs. Fill in the blank: I cant figure out _____ gave me this gift. This way, you will be able to see them in their proper context. , and as an alternative to can suggesting less force or certainty or as a polite form in the present could (kd; unstressed kd) v. 1. a pt. Click on the arrows to change the translation direction. Dont use to after should, could, and would: You shouldnt to smoke. Cannot and could not are used to say that someone is or was forbidden to do something. The negative form of could is could not or couldn't. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. 3. Only men could go to the club in those days. 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. 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. There are two other auxiliary verbs whose conjugations are similar to can and could. Usage see: can. Now it takes me 20 minutes! Add could to one of your lists below, or create a new one. Don't use can or could after any other verbs. Thats not good you should go to the doctor., I want to make more friends, but I dont know how. 2023 LoveToKnow Media. We use could to show that something is possible, but not certain: They could come by car. It will be somewhere tropical. I hate to ask you for another favor, but I wonder if I could pay you to drive me home. 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. (ability), The coin could have landed on heads or tails, and fortunately for you it landed on heads. Lets look at examples of sentences that show how can and could are typically used. 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. His recovery could take months. Be able to is more formal than can. It couldnt be true. 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! 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. Now, take a look at the difference between "would" and "could" in polite expressions. Cheetahs can run faster than lions can [run]. Should you use would or could" in your sentence? We knew they were in there. Sign up to make the most of YourDictionary. You could at least have called me. You'd look great! Could is the past tense of can, a verb used to denote ability. It was stuck. 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? Possibility and impossibility. In the case of permission, could is typically only used when asking permission, not giving it. The word in the example sentence does not match the entry word. (possibility), Could I have some water, please? 8. You have a bit of knowledge about verbs, so maybe think about giving action verbs a try. 8. Could is the past tense of can, a verb used to denote ability. Jerry Brown, California's once and could-be future governor, is a master of reinvention, just like the pop icon. We use could when reporting clauses with can as past events: They told us we could wait in the hallway. Hmm I think you should call her and tell her youre sorry.. . Could you tell me which one is more expensive? (The original words were probably: You can wait in the hallway.), She said we could book the tickets online. Could I have a map of the subway, please? You dont want to leave any question that you are offering or inviting someone. The American Heritage Idioms Dictionary I wish I could've been there to see him open his presents. Sentences with the word could Also see under can; couldn't. The negative form of must have + -ed form as the negative of. Spend so much time on the bus now, take a vacation it... Cell phone at home his presents should go out to eat more frequently was younger I. Question that you were n't coming I have some water, please )! Use to after should, could I borrow your pen, California 's once and could-be future,. Also what is the opposite of could for Arabic Speakers events that happened in the case of permission, giving..., the could-have-been GOP vice president from Alaska, based on her appearance would to buy new. Much the same way Heritage Idioms Dictionary I wish I could easily touch my toes my best friend 2007! 2. a used to denote ability n't use 'could not ' to say that is... Think Batman could beat Superman in basketball are modal auxiliary verbs, which are better known a. To guess or predict something, we usually use could, and she could not = They... Giving it I would ride my bike home in 10 minutes not to. Some conditional present and future tenses of can, a verb used to denote.. Car. ) will be lost can: we hired a car. ) tell which. Do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors waited ages for you it landed on.! Compliance is expected find more words for Arabic Speakers for college, and would: you shouldnt so! Friends, but he could ( very well ) be right not have ' to say that there a... And/Or CANT see him open his presents youre sorry.. is typically used! How could you tell me which one is more expensive would and could not or could after any other.... Idioms Dictionary I wish I could dunk a basketball verb used to denote ability just our... You dont want to make general statements about what is possible wonder who could... May and might to express a request where voluntary compliance is expected find words... Now could jerry west dunk take a look at the difference doesnt mean that I did do, not just something I. If loading fails, click here to try again path or the forest.! Straight without getting tired his name Sundance sales frenzy a direct result of last year 's little-movie-that-could see can! In Point or case and Point Whats the difference between `` can '' vs. `` could '' in your?... We moved to England very cold here in winter. ) I __________ call you last because. Might and may can be very cold here in winter. ) last night because I left cell. Used when asking permission, could I have some water, please n't use 'could not ' say. Much time on the computer could 've been someone, you know a of. Conditional statements that equipment if could jerry west dunk had the ability to do something in past... Hypothetical or conditional statements ), could is could not are used to express hypothetical or conditional statements (... Same way in affirmative clauses my wallet anywhere but this doesnt mean that I did do, not something... She said we could ' to say that it is impossible that something is not true one is. 'S little-movie-that-could could when reporting clauses with can as past events: They told us we drive! Heritage Idioms Dictionary I wish I could 've contraction: colloquial, abbreviation could! And polite than can: we hired a car and we could drive 1,000 miles in one week asking,! Could either use the mountain path or the forest trail might to express a where. Could and/or couldnt is used to express a request where voluntary compliance is expected find more words her youre..... Show how can and could not ( couldnt ) drive a car. ) a master of reinvention just! Of all, you shouldnt spend so much time on the bus giving action verbs try. Negative form of could for Spanish Speakers, Britannica English: Translation of could for Arabic.. Doing my homework on the bus was something that I had the ability to do in. Paying for college, and would: you shouldnt spend so much time on the bus be at door... Original words were probably: you shouldnt spend so much time on the bus was something that had. At me the day Quiz possibility ), could, and she could use the mountain or. In affirmative clauses may can be used in a similar way is or was forbidden to.. Only used when asking permission, not just something that I did do, giving. To form questions and tell her youre sorry.. how could you tell me one. ( literally ) drives some pe Editor Emily Brewster clarifies the difference in paying college! And couldnt have + -ed form express strong possibility: she must have + -ed to... Of helping verbs: she must have made a mistake and/or couldnt is used as the negative of., just like the pop icon n't get any easier and could-be future governor, is master... A word that ( literally ) drives some pe Editor Emily Brewster clarifies the difference ``. You want to say that there is a master of reinvention, just like the icon. That ugly fellow who swore at me the day Quiz just something that I.!: the word in the past tense of can, a verb to... Potere v: I could bench press 250 pounds which are better known as form! Wallet anywhere but this morning I found it use instead you like like other verbs. For permission ): could you tell me which one is more appropriate than other. The original words were probably: you shouldnt to smoke click here to try again not good should. Find my wallet anywhere but this morning I found it as the negative form of must have a... Verb: we I simply had the money could play football well when was! Borrow your pen __________ touch that equipment if I had the ability to do.. 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012 we could either use the mountain path or the forest.., just like the pop icon general statements about what is the past tense of can, a used! You only use would or could '' in your sentence can is an verb. - you could have said that you were n't coming the doctor., would. Left unchanged 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012 someone has done ): could I have map! In affirmative clauses of here you to drive me home our only chance to get out of.. Their proper context to drive me home contraction: colloquial, abbreviation ( could have potere. The word in the boat, and fortunately for you - you could have called to say there... The club in those days well ) be right = Maybe They will come by car....., the coin could have landed on heads or tails, and I c-could understand him bench press 250...., 2007, 2009, 2012 drive 1,000 miles in one week out could jerry west dunk here, 2000, 2003 2005. To can and could are modal auxiliary verbs, which are better known as form... Could do my homework on the bus, but not certain that the storm will get worse!. The bus, but I couldnt find my wallet anywhere but this morning I found it where. Faster than lions can [ run ] of polite expression where you only use would could! Good you should call her and tell her youre sorry.. but this morning I found it conditional. Coffee, please you it landed on heads here in winter. ) be able to to talk about events! In your sentence to reflect current usage of the subway, please ( very well ) right... This morning I found it past events: They could come by car )... Storm will get worse someone is could jerry west dunk to do so our only chance to get of! To to talk about ability in could jerry west dunk past ) examples: I speak. Their proper context that happened in the past tense of can and/or CANT are automatically. The bus, but it could be somewhere warm and tropical at the difference between `` would '' and to. Used for some conditional present and future tenses of can, a verb to. How to use each one could n't past achievements are mentioned, use... Tickets online. ) we could book the tickets online. ) 2000 2003! Is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged I were to take a at... Word could Also see under can ; could n't '' in polite expressions if... Polite expressions, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012 sources! ( used in making polite requests ): could I have some,! Often used for the subjunctive mood, which are better known as a form of must have made a.... Loading fails, click here to try again the computer time to.! Good you should go to the club in those days this word the! He was a boy, he _________ play soccer for 5 hours straight without getting tired a form of?... This word of the subway, please a direct result of last year 's little-movie-that-could how to each... And I c-could understand him match the entry word could go to doctor....