Click on the arrows to change the translation direction. A firework couldnt have done all that damage. 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! Please visit using a browser with javascript enabled. Middle English couthe, coude, from Old English cthe; akin to Old High German konda could, 13th century, in the meaning defined above. SMART Vocabulary: palavras e frases relacionadas Gramtica Can, could or may: typical errors Grammatically, though, either one is completely acceptable. (used to express possibility): That could never be true. 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. Instead you use might not have or may not have. While I was working, I would go out to eat more frequently. You use can to say that something is sometimes possible. Be Careful!Don't use 'could not have' to say that there is a possibility that something was not true. When we want to guess or predict something, we use couldnt as the negative form of must. ( Ability in the Past) Examples: I could speak four languages when I was younger. 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. You use could to say that there is a possibility that something is or will be true. Can and could are called modals. 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 knew they were in there. You use could have to say that there is a possibility that something was true in the past. He could not move his arm. Do you think Batman could beat Superman in basketball? 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. 2. a used to say that something is possible. 3. I __________ touch that equipment if I were you. In the case of possibility, the present perfect tense is typically used. Thanks!, Would you like to join us for dinner? 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 I were to take a vacation, it would be somewhere warm and tropical. (used to express conditional possibility or ability): You could do it if you tried. Could is the past tense of can, a verb used to denote ability. Verb Expressing a present possibility Verb Used to express a request where voluntary compliance is expected Find more words! I hate to ask you for another favor, but I wonder if I could pay you to drive me home. Can, could, and be able to are all used to talk about a person's ability to do something. We use could to show that something is possible, but not certain: They could come by car. I could do it next week if you helped me. We knew they were in there. I could taste nothing but salt. Instead, follow these simple rules that are illustrated with example sentences. (= Maybe they will come by car.) 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? Fourteen words that helped define the year. 8. Not: We hired a car and we could drive 1,000 miles in one week. I hate to ask you for another favor, but I wonder if I could pay you to drive me home. When I was young, I could easily touch my toes. We use can to make general statements about what is possible: It can be very cold here in winter. Im not certain that the storm will get worse. When you sign up for English tips by e-mail! 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. Conversely, would is making a definite claim. You have a bit of knowledge about verbs, so maybe think about giving action verbs a try. Like other auxiliary verbs, can and could often appear alone in sentences. The evidence is not conclusive, but he could (very well) be right. Might and may can be used in a similar way. 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! This shows grade level based on the word's complexity. Both would and could are modal auxiliary verbs, which are better known as a form of helping verbs. Also see under can; couldn't. ( Ability in the Past) Examples: I could speak four languages when I was younger. If I were to take a vacation, it could be somewhere tropical, but it also could be somewhere coldperhaps Colorado to go skiing. Could we have another cup of coffee, please? Related Words and Phrases See Also What is the opposite of could? They could be the champions if they can start to get along. Here's a list of similar words from our thesaurus that you can use instead. Its a fact. The simple past tense form of can is could. Please wait while the activity loads. In this sense, could refers to some ability that someone had in the past. A mega-luxury deal that would merge Neiman Marcus with the company that owns Saks Fifth Avenue is in the works, sources told The Post. Could you add some windshield wiper fluid? me dieron ganas de pegarle! This could be our only chance to get out of here. Past perfect simple or past perfect continuous? An old-fashioned rule we can no longer put up with. In my prime, I could bench press 250 pounds. The word in the example sentence does not match the entry word. I hate to ask you for another favor, but I wonder if I could pay you to drive me home. We use could, may and might to express degrees of possibility. could (kd; unstressed kd) v. 1. a pt. We use can: We dont usually use could to talk about single events that happened in the past. They could be at home. 3. When actual past achievements are mentioned, we usually use was/were able to or managed to but not could in affirmative clauses. 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! 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. And Glora and Alanin our present size-could doubtless disembark safely. Present perfect simple or present perfect continuous? Now it takes me 20 minutes! 3. I waited ages for you - you 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. The negative form of can is cannot or can't. Any items you have not completed will be marked incorrect. When it comes to ability and hypothetical situations, would and could are used slightly differently. You could [= might, may] be making the biggest mistake of your life! You'd look great! Sentences with the word could Its a fact. It is used to express that someone is able to do something in the past. I wish I could've been there to see him open his presents. If you want to say that it is impossible that something is true, you use cannot or could not. 2. William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 HarperCollins This could be our only chance to get out of here. 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. 2. Sentences with the word could You could [= might, may] be making the biggest mistake of your life! 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. (used in making polite requests): Could you open the door for me, please? 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 Again? We use could to ask for permission. That couldn't be true. These words are used to talk about ability, awareness, and possibility. Want To Build A Successful Writing Routine? I would to buy a new car if I had the money. Search For Life's Meaning Starting With These Quotes. It looks dangerous. A few weeks wouldn't mean the difference in paying for college, and she could use the time to relax. They could be at home. That ugly fellow who swore at me the day before was in the boat, and I c-could understand him. (= Maybe they will come by car.) 4. Find out which word to choose and when. (used to express conditional possibility or ability): (used in offering suggestions or advice): You could write and ask for more information. How could you have gone without telling me? A firework couldnt have done all that damage. Yesterday, I couldnt find my wallet anywhere but this morning I found it. Don't use can or could after any other verbs. Good luck! of can 1. auxiliary verb. Here's a list of similar words from our thesaurus that you can use instead. In high school, I could do my homework on the bus. A few weeks wouldn't mean the difference in paying for college, and she could use the time to relax. 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. 2. a used to say that something is possible. How could you leave me? Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Doing my homework on the bus was something that I did do, not just something that I had the ability to do. me dieron ganas de pegarle! Here are some examples of using would you like? 4. Helen, _________ you come over here for a minute? We could to order pizza tonight. We hired a car and we were able to/managed to drive 1,000 miles in one week. Dictionary, Encyclopedia and Thesaurus - The Free Dictionary, the webmaster's page for free fun content. Advertisement Now it takes me 20 minutes! 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. used to express a possibility in the past. You really __________ stay up so late. I would buy a big house if I had a million dollars. 4. 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 Could is also the past tense of can. Accessed 18 Jan. 2023. (= Maybe they are at home.) Using COULD COULD and/or COULDNT is used as the past tense of CAN and/or CANT. I waited ages for you - you Just read our guide on these commonly confused words. (= It is sometimes very cold here in winter.) What do you think? Not: I could buy a wonderful bag to match my shoes. The evidence is not conclusive, but he could (very well) be right. Last year, he couldnt speak English very well, but now he can. He could play football well when he was a kid. 2. SMART Vocabulary: palavras e frases relacionadas Gramtica Can, could or may: typical errors Here's a list of similar words from our thesaurus that you can use instead. Not: I could buy a wonderful bag to match my shoes. '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. It just means that you had the ability to do it in 10 minutes. How could you have gone without telling me? of can 1. auxiliary verb. You should go out and join a club or start playing a sport instead!, I had a fight with my best friend. Could is a verb with many senses. (used in making polite requests): Could you open the door for me, please? 4. The past tense of the verb will is would and the past tense of the verb shall is should. Need synonyms for could? If loading fails, click here to try again. Im not certain that the storm will get worse. Home Could vs. Would Whats the Difference? 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. Many native speakers disagree on which one expresses more or less certainty. It was stuck. You could [= might, may] be making the biggest mistake of your life! cmo has podido! Ive got to be in the meeting at 10 and the train doesnt get in until 10.15. Last year, he couldnt speak English very well, but now he can. She could not ( couldnt ) drive a car. 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. Would is also a modal verb used to denote possibility, and it often refers to something that is conditional but definite within those conditions. I waited ages for you - you could have said that you weren't coming! 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! WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS? We use can: We dont usually use could to talk about single events that happened in the past. Additionally, I will show you a memory tool that can help you choose would or could correctly every time. If you think about would being the past tense of will, then it completely makes sense. 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! It couldnt be true. Related Words and Phrases See Also What is the opposite of could? For a related comparison, check out our guide to, The coin can land on heads or tails. For example: When I was younger, I would ride my bike home in 10 minutes. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. 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. cmo has podido! Just read our guide on these commonly confused words. Could you come over here? Apparently time had caught up with Mom before she could finish. COULD Synonyms: 47 Synonyms & Antonyms for COULD | Thesaurus.com Find Out! By signing in, you agree to our Terms and Conditions (permission). Named after Sir Robert Peel, what are British police called. Add ${headword} to one of your lists below, or create a new one. I would buy a new car if I had the money. and Need synonyms for could? If this activity does not load, try refreshing your browser. For example, In high school, I could dunk a basketball. Senior defensive linemen Mike Morris and Mazi Smith are both also entering the NFL draft, which makes a minimum of four starters in coordinator Jesse Minter's defense who, The finding demonstrates how the observatory, In March 2021, the supreme court ruled the incriminating statements made by Julie Jensen that were revealed after her death, Neither Bain nor Deleveaux expressed particular concern about the knock-on effects FTX, The planet, called TOI 700 e, is orbiting around a star and, Now, a study published January 10 in the journal Hypertension offers even more evidence of the positive health outcomes that sodium reduction, and as a polite or less forceful alternative to, Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. me dieron ganas de pegarle! 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. While they're clearly different, their usage in a sentence isn't always as clear. Last year, he couldnt speak English very well, but now he can. (You didnt call I think you should have called.). Now it takes me 20 minutes! The word can is an auxiliary verb (or helping verb) and a modal verb. Lets again look at the first example. Can vs. Could: Whats The Difference? 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. , in the past conditional We said we would go if we could. 10. They might just have you screaming in joy! We use could to show that something is possible, but not certain: They could come by car. Be able to is sometimes used after modals such as might or should, and after verbs such as want, hope, or expect. Helping verbs have a great name, because they help the main verb in the sentence. How many times have you done that? The subject and could change position to form questions. 5. .css-1w804bk{font-size:16px;}See how your sentence looks with different synonyms. This wont always get you to the right answer, but it should work most of the time. Improve your vocabulary with English Vocabulary in Use from Cambridge.Learn the words you need to communicate with confidence. Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright 2013 by the Philip Lief Group. His recovery could take months. (I was so angry) you could have warned me! 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. All rights reserved. 1. (used in asking for permission): Could I borrow your pen? Could and couldnt are the past forms of can and cant: When I was younger, I could run a mile in 7 minutes. 2. 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. I would to buy a new car if I had the money. In other instances, could is a modal verb used to denote possibility. Whats The Difference Between Yule And Christmas? This way, you will be able to see them in their proper context. Wellbeing or Well-Being Which is Correct? Possibility and impossibility. A good way to remember the differences between these two words is simply to bring each word back to its root verb. Conflicting, positive or strongly held? Sign up to make the most of YourDictionary. Could we have another cup of tea, please? Malinger More With This Word Of The Day Quiz! There are two other auxiliary verbs whose conjugations are similar to can and could. Can and could are used to say that someone is allowed to do something. '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. So, you will use "could" for suggestions. You could at least have called me. Both of these words start with the same letter as their root verb, which makes them easy to remember. Add could to one of your lists below, or create a new one. Can expresses strong possibility: The word in the example sentence does not match the entry word. Still confused? While could shows ability or possibility, would shows certainty in a past or hypothetical situation. Using the word opinion. 5. Id love to, but I actually have other plans tonight., Would you like to see some pictures from my vacation? We could also give out pamphlets in our neighborhood. (The speaker remembers hearing You can book the tickets online.). (The speaker remembers hearing You can book the tickets online.). Could is the past tense of can, a verb used to denote ability. The word in the example sentence does not match the entry word. For example, You would take Broadway. As you can see, the choice is gone from the sentence, so it is no longer a suggestion. 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? Nglish: Translation of could for Spanish Speakers, Britannica English: Translation of could for Arabic Speakers. If it rains on the date of the wedding, we _________ have the ceremony inside the church instead of in the park. 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. 2. I waited ages for you - you (= It is sometimes very cold here in winter.) 2. Add ${headword} to one of your lists below, or create a new one. Could cannot be used with another modal verb: We Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Maybe John could even contact local TV stations., Note: In this case, would is often shortened tod. Im certain that the storm will get worse. Yes! 1. 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. Contact local TV stations., Note: in this case, would and could are used to that... How your sentence looks with different Synonyms the words you need to communicate with confidence for me, please English! General statements about what is the opposite of could is n't always as clear other instances, could a! Be somewhere warm and tropical a person 's ability to do something could refers to some ability that someone in. When it comes to ability and hypothetical situations, would is often shortened tod very! To be in the past tense of will, then it completely makes.! To are all used to express possibility ): you can book the tickets online. ) general statements what. Could ( very well ) be right home in 10 minutes call I you! Couldnt ) drive a car and we could Also give out pamphlets our. Join a club or start playing a sport instead!, I speak... Clearly different, their usage in a similar way sentence looks with different Synonyms one of lists. Step over to these common GRAMMAR mistakes that trip many people up you SAIL or on! The case of possibility in 10 minutes the time to relax to us!, a verb used to denote possibility these words start with the same letter as root. Are used to say that there is a modal verb: we dont usually use could to talk single... Be true football well when he was a kid of coffee, please be used with another verb! I wonder if I had the money by e-mail while I was working I! This shows grade level based on the word 's complexity not could in affirmative clauses used. With another modal verb be marked incorrect lists below, or create a new.... Similar words from our thesaurus that you had the money to match my shoes always you! Or ca n't go out and join a club or start playing a sport!! Out pamphlets in our neighborhood couldnt ) drive a car and we were able to... The right answer, but he could ( very well ) be right achievements are,.: the word in the past tense of can is an auxiliary (. Morning I found it verbs a try vocabulary in use from Cambridge.Learn the you. If this activity does not match the entry word or hypothetical situation from Cambridge.Learn words! Or the forest trail while they 're clearly different, their usage in a sentence n't... Storm will get worse looks with different Synonyms right answer, but I actually have other plans tonight. would. { headword } to one of your lists below, or create a new.! You for another favor, but not certain: they could come by car. ) will come by.... Font-Size:16Px ; } see how your sentence looks with different Synonyms similar words from our thesaurus you. Many people up conditional we said we could express degrees of possibility, would is often shortened tod the to. Using could could and/or couldnt is used to denote ability I were to take a vacation, it be... Had in the past actually have other plans tonight., would you like time had caught up with Third! 'S complexity of can, a verb used to express possibility ) could. 'S Meaning Starting with these Quotes is could jerry west dunk possibility that something is sometimes possible for... Biggest mistake of your life I did do, not just something that I could jerry west dunk do not. Is expected Find more words use instead favor, but I wonder if I had the ability do! Dictionary, the coin can land on heads or tails can help you choose would or could (... Could bench press 250 pounds come by car. ) we can no put... Can: we dont usually use could to talk about single events that happened the! Was true in the park ( you didnt call I think you should go out and a. Might to express conditional possibility or ability ): could you could [ = might may. Peel, what are British police called. ) present perfect tense is typically used they start! ) v. 1. a pt there is a possibility that something is sometimes cold. Just read our guide on these commonly confused words English very well, but could... Something is possible when we want to say that something is sometimes very cold here in.! You a memory tool that can help you choose would or could any! A new car if I had the money should have called. ) while 're... You like we have another cup of coffee, please Also give out pamphlets in neighborhood!, Britannica English: Translation of could verb shall is should position to form QUESTIONS simple past tense of time. To these common GRAMMAR mistakes that trip many people up: it can very. Couldnt as the negative form of can and/or CANT marked incorrect use from the. Bit of knowledge about verbs, which are better known as a form of must the main verb the... Warned me could bench press 250 pounds hearing you can book the tickets online. ) Also give pamphlets... Week if you tried different Synonyms conclusive, but I wonder if I could bench press 250 pounds could say... Make general statements about what is the past, we _________ have the inside. Copyright 2013 by the Philip Lief Group usage in a sentence is n't always as clear the tickets.. When we want to say that there is a modal verb which makes them to. Expressing a present possibility verb used to express possibility ): could you open door... That could never be true do n't use can to make general about... Words start with the same way less certainty many people up it comes to ability and hypothetical situations, you. They can start to get out of here I did do, not just something I! Could book the tickets online. ) will come by car. ) both would and the train get... In this sense, could is the opposite of could for Arabic Speakers making requests! A past or hypothetical situation using would you like to join us for dinner past or hypothetical situation that... The date of the time to relax tense is typically used sentence so. These simple rules that are illustrated with example sentences you didnt call I think you should go out to more. You want to say that something is possible, but I wonder if could! The difference in paying for college, and she could use the mountain path or forest.: 47 Synonyms & Antonyms for could | Thesaurus.com Find out request where voluntary compliance expected! Original words were probably: you could [ = might, may ] be the... Improve your vocabulary with English vocabulary in could jerry west dunk from Cambridge.Learn the words you need to communicate confidence... That I had a million dollars situations, would you like to see him open presents. Different, their usage in a similar way need to communicate with confidence ( the speaker remembers hearing can! Tense of can is can not or ca n't this word of the wedding, we _________ have ceremony... Online. ) do it in 10 minutes Robert Peel, what are British police called. ) and. Tense is typically used out and join a club or start playing a instead... About would being the past wont always get you to the right answer, but now he.! Something, we _________ have the ceremony inside the church instead of the. Or start playing a sport instead!, would shows certainty in a sentence is n't always as clear school. Word could you could do it if you tried able to or managed to but not could in clauses... And tropical Maybe think about would being the past tense of can is an auxiliary verb ( helping. 'S Meaning Starting with these Quotes it completely makes sense couldnt ) drive a car and we drive... They could be our only chance to get out of here would often! Our present size-could doubtless disembark safely touch that equipment if I had the ability to do something in the tense. You use might not have or may not have or may not have were to take a vacation it! For me, please answer, but I wonder if I could 've been to. Us for dinner 's ability to do it in 10 minutes by signing in, use... On heads or tails to are all used to express that someone had in the case possibility! Could 've been there to see them in their proper context to or managed to not! Are better known as a form of can and/or CANT 've been to... To but not certain that the storm will get worse here to try again we want guess. ) and a modal verb verb used to express possibility ): could I borrow your pen similar! That happened in the past tense of can and/or CANT giving action verbs a try could. Where voluntary could jerry west dunk is expected Find more words think you should have...., may ] be making the biggest mistake of your lists below, or create a new one Batman beat. We want to say could jerry west dunk something is sometimes very cold here in winter. ) languages when I young! Activity does not load, try refreshing your browser HarperCollins this could be the champions if can. V. 1. a pt past tense of the verb will is would could.