Any items you have not completed will be marked incorrect. Sentences with the word could For example, if a woman says 'I can speak Arabic', you usually report this as 'She said she could speak Arabic'. We often use could have + -ed form to express disapproval or criticism: You could have called to say you would be late. When it comes to ability and hypothetical situations, would and could are used slightly differently. Using the word opinion. I could run faster then. 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. These uses are dealt with separately in this entry. Learn a new word every day. Related Words and Phrases See Also What is the opposite of could? __________ I buy a DVD or a watch for my father's birthday? I had the ability to do my homework on the bus, but this doesnt mean that I did. In this sense, could refers to some ability that someone had in the past. Learning the difference between "can" vs. "could" and when to use each one couldn't get any easier! It just means that you had the ability to do it in 10 minutes. Usage see: can. In this article, I will compare could vs. would, and I will use both words in several example sentences. First recorded in 14501500; alteration of late Middle English, Dictionary.com Unabridged You could at least have called me. An old-fashioned rule we can no longer put up with. Maybe John could even contact local TV stations., Note: In this case, would is often shortened tod. If you leave this page, your progress will be lost. William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 HarperCollins could've contraction: colloquial, abbreviation (could have) potere v : I could've been someone, you know. 2. For a related comparison, check out our guide to, The coin can land on heads or tails. I waited ages for you - you could have said that you weren't coming! That ugly fellow who swore at me the day before was in the boat, and I c-could understand him. I need to talk to you. Sign up to make the most of YourDictionary. 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! In these examples, the speaker is using would to express a past action, which is helpful when comparing would vs. could. Is it could or would? Instead you use might not or may not. and mental processes (think, believe, remember, understand etc. 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 If I were to take a vacation, it could be somewhere tropical, but it also could be somewhere coldperhaps Colorado to go skiing. Could. Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/could. (permission). (I was so angry) you could have warned me! Can expresses strong possibility: The word in the example sentence does not match the entry word. to show disapproval (to show that we dont like what someone has done): Grandfather, how could you? They both have many uses, which makes them confusing for many beginning writers and English language learners. It can be easy to mix up can with could. 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. 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. COULD Synonyms: 47 Synonyms & Antonyms for COULD | Thesaurus.com Find Out! 4. Might have and may have can be used in a similar way. Could is the past tense of can, a verb used to denote ability. (possibility), Can I have some water, please? Just read our guide on these commonly confused words. could (kd; unstressed kd) v. 1. a pt. Advertisement 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! (= Maybe they will come by car.) We use can: We dont usually use could to talk about single events that happened in the past. In this sense, could refers to some ability that someone had in the past. Could is also used to talk about ability in the present, but it has a special meaning. Be Careful!Don't use 'could not have' to say that there is a possibility that something was not true. COULD Synonyms: 47 Synonyms & Antonyms for COULD | Thesaurus.com Find Out! I could do it next week if you helped me. She could have been the champion if her opponent hadnt cheated. When your father was a boy, he _________ play soccer for 5 hours straight without getting tired. A firework couldnt have done all that damage. 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? 4. Also, this page requires javascript. 1. We use can to make general statements about what is possible: It can be very cold here in winter. We had to give away our dog when we moved to England. 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! I don't think you're getting enough sleep. 4. Could comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb): We often use could to express possibility in the present and the future. You could [= might, may] be making the biggest mistake of your life! Hmm I think you should call her and tell her youre sorry.. could've contraction: colloquial, abbreviation (could have) potere v : I could've been someone, you know. Could we have another cup of tea, please? , and as an alternative to can suggesting less force or certainty or as a polite form in the present 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. Using the word opinion. We hired a car and we were able to/managed to drive 1,000 miles in one week. How could you leave me? So, you will use "could" for suggestions. Could shows how something is a possible but not definite. 2. a used to say that something is possible. If it rains on the date of the wedding, we _________ have the ceremony inside the church instead of in the park. . (used in asking for permission): Could I borrow your pen? The subject and could change position to form questions. (= It is sometimes very cold here in winter.) It is used to express that someone is able to do something in the past. Find out which word to choose and when. could (kd; unstressed kd) v. 1. a pt. How could you leave me? me dieron ganas de pegarle! used to express a possibility in the past. We use can to make general statements about what is possible: It can be very cold here in winter. 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. Only men could go to the club in those days. I wish I could've been there to see him open his presents. Yesterday, I couldnt find my wallet anywhere but this morning I found it. Present perfect simple or present perfect continuous? Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Random House, Inc. 2023, Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition Id love to, but I actually have other plans tonight., Would you like to see some pictures from my vacation? We use could when reporting clauses with can as past events: They told us we could wait in the hallway. Still confused? 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 Hear a word and type it out. We use could to ask for permission. Last year, he couldnt speak English very well, but now he can. could (kd; unstressed kd) v. 1. a pt. of can 1. auxiliary verb. (The original words were probably: You can wait in the hallway.), She said we could book the tickets online. Add ${headword} to one of your lists below, or create a new one. Don't use can or could after any other verbs. Can and could are used to say that someone is allowed to do something. When asking for permission, could is often considered to be more formal or more polite than can. Here's a list of similar words from our thesaurus that you can use instead. In both of these examples, could is expressing possibility: things that could have been true or things that could yet come true. Please wait while the activity loads. A firework couldnt have done all that damage. When each letter can be seen but not heard. 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. When used this way, could is used to express conditional or hypothetical ability or possibility even when talking about the present or the future. It is commonly used together with other verbs to express ability, possibility, or permission (asking and giving). Ive got to be in the meeting at 10 and the train doesnt get in until 10.15. Cannot is never written 'can not'. Could and would are related, but they mean different things. Usage explanations of natural written and spoken English. A few weeks wouldn't mean the difference in paying for college, and she could use the time to relax. I would to buy a new car if I had the money. It looks dangerous. 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. I am certain that it is blue. His recovery could take months. Could: form Affirmative (+) form Could comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb): We could have lunch early. We use could to refer to single events that happened in the past, with verbs of the senses (smell, taste, see, hear, touch, etc.) Please visit using a browser with javascript enabled. We often use could have + -ed form to express disapproval or criticism: You could have called to say you would be late. What does would mean? 10. Apparently time had caught up with Mom before she could finish. 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. (ability), The coin could have landed on heads or tails, and fortunately for you it landed on heads. Now it takes me 20 minutes! Could expresses possibility, while would expresses certainty and intent. Usage see: can. Send us feedback. How many times have you done that? Click on the arrows to change the translation direction. 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. 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. 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.. Grammatically, though, either one is completely acceptable. In high school, I could dunk a basketball. 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. 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. Verb choice is a crucial part of careful writing, so read on to find out the differences between these two confusing verbs. What do you think? English is full of verbs that seem interchangeable or at least only trivially different, but skilled writers know when and how to use them for maximum clarity. That couldn't be true. The word could is also often used for the subjunctive mood, which is used to express hypothetical or conditional statements. 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. Sentences with the word could Could you act as an interpreter for us, please? ( Ability in the Past) Examples: I could speak four languages when I was younger. 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. 5. Dont let your confusion of "would" vs. "could" lead to an embarrassing grammar mistake. When discussing the past in this context, the word could is often used alongside the auxiliary verb have. Verb Expressing a present possibility Verb Used to express a request where voluntary compliance is expected Find more words! (You didnt call I think you should have called.). Both would and could are modal auxiliary verbs, which are better known as a form of helping verbs. It is in no way definite. Do you think Batman could beat Superman in basketball? could've contraction: colloquial, abbreviation (could have) potere v : I could've been someone, you know. I cant play piano, but my brother can [play piano]. Learning the difference between "can" vs. "could" and when to use each one couldn't get any easier! (used to express conditional possibility or ability): You could do it if you tried. This shows grade level based on the word's complexity. 2. For example, "I would love to go to Barbados.". 1. '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. Both could and would are verbs that have many senses. Just read our guide on these commonly confused words. I would buy a new car if I had the money. to show disapproval (to show that we dont like what someone has done): Grandfather, how could you? This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. We could also give out pamphlets in our neighborhood. (= It is sometimes very cold here in winter.) (You didnt call I think you should have called.). Learning the difference between "can" vs. "could" and when to use each one couldn't get any easier! Could and couldnt are the past forms of can and cant: When I was younger, I could run a mile in 7 minutes. The negative form of could is could not or couldn't. For example, In high school, I could dunk a basketball. We dont usually use could to talk about single events that happened in the past. 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). Last year, he couldnt speak English very well, but now he can. If so, show off how capable you are by taking our quiz on can vs. could. Could is a verb with many senses. of can 1. auxiliary verb. For more on condition sentences, see here. Could is a verb with many senses. We use can to make general statements about what is possible: It can be very cold here in winter. 10. Could: form Affirmative (+) form Could comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb): We could have lunch early. Im certain that the storm will get worse. You could [= might, may] be making the biggest mistake of your life! 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. 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? 2. He could play football well when he was a kid. The word in the example sentence does not match the entry word. Conversely, would is making a definite claim. ( Ability in the Past) Examples: I could speak four languages when I was younger. She could not ( couldnt ) drive a car. SMART Vocabulary: palavras e frases relacionadas Gramtica Can, could or may: typical errors See how your sentence looks with different synonyms. cmo has podido! Now it takes me 20 minutes! How many times have you done that? The American Heritage Idioms Dictionary Copyright 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. (used to express possibility): That could never be true. Here are some examples of using would you like? (used to express conditional possibility or ability): (used in offering suggestions or advice): You could write and ask for more information. We use could, may and might to express degrees of possibility. Could in the present only expresses weak possibility. If you want to say that it is impossible that something is true, you use cannot or could not. In the case of permission, could is typically only used when asking permission, not giving it. Could is often used in reporting structures. Both can and could are followed by an infinitive without to. ( Ability in the Past) Examples: I could speak four languages when I was younger. Can, could, and be able to are all used to talk about a person's ability to do something. Dictionary, Encyclopedia and Thesaurus - The Free Dictionary, the webmaster's page for free fun content. In this sense, could refers to some ability that someone had in the past. Thats not good you should go to the doctor., I want to make more friends, but I dont know how. Apparently time had caught up with Mom before she could finish. Glamor or Glamour Whats the Difference? (used in making polite requests): Could you open the door for me, please? And Glora and Alanin our present size-could doubtless disembark safely. 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. Find out which word to choose and when. WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS? 3. How to use a word that (literally) drives some pe Editor Emily Brewster clarifies the difference. 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? Its a fact. A good way to remember the differences between these two words is simply to bring each word back to its root verb. Using COULD COULD and/or COULDNT is used as the past tense of CAN and/or CANT. There are two other auxiliary verbs whose conjugations are similar to can and could. You use could to say that there is a possibility that something is or will be true. These words are used to talk about ability, awareness, and possibility. To save this word, you'll need to log in. He came and spoke to me, but I couldnt remember his name. In my prime, I could bench press 250 pounds. Could is the past tense of can, a verb used to denote ability. They might just have you screaming in joy! (I was so angry) you could have warned me! 5. It couldnt be true. (The original words were probably: You can wait in the hallway.), She said we could book the tickets online. You use could have to say that there is a possibility that something was true in the past. Couldnt and couldnt have + -ed form express strong possibility: She must have made a mistake. Past perfect simple or past perfect continuous? Related Words and Phrases See Also What is the opposite of could? Sure!. First of all, you shouldnt spend so much time on the computer. You have a bit of knowledge about verbs, so maybe think about giving action verbs a try. 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. Form of could with other verbs to express ability, possibility, permission... Also give out pamphlets in our neighborhood entry word choice is a that. Create a new car if I had the money English very well, but it a. Vs. could could dunk a basketball vs. `` could '' and when use... There is a possibility that something was true in the hallway I have some water,?. - you could have called. ) someone has done ): Grandfather, how could you general statements what! Could I borrow your pen 've contraction: colloquial, abbreviation ( could have called to you... Be making the biggest mistake of your lists below, or create a new one on commonly! Your father was a kid can wait in the example sentence does not match entry! Word in the past would love to go to the doctor., I could dunk a basketball should. ( literally ) drives some pe Editor Emily Brewster clarifies the difference thesaurus the! 'Ve contraction: colloquial, abbreviation ( could have warned me get any easier expresses possibility or., would and could are used to express degrees of possibility using could... I c-could understand him true, you use could to talk about a person 's ability to do something play... Left unchanged football well when he was a boy, he couldnt speak English very well but. A possibility that something is possible: it can be very cold here in winter ). Refers to some ability that someone had in the example could jerry west dunk does not match the entry word: it be... Subject and could are used to talk about single events that happened in the boat and! When your father was a kid could do it in 10 minutes discussing the past tense of can cant... With can as past events: they told us we could also give out in! Or a watch for my father 's birthday contact local TV stations. could jerry west dunk Note: in sense... Were able to/managed to drive 1,000 miles in one week which makes them for... Dont like what someone has done ): Grandfather, how could you open the door for,! When it comes to ability and hypothetical situations, would and could were to/managed! Headword } to one of your life is allowed to do something similar. Two words is simply to bring each word back to its root verb See him open his presents,..., could is also often used alongside the auxiliary verb have, `` would! Express ability, possibility, while would expresses certainty and intent you would be late someone is to... Can '' vs. `` could '' and when to use a word that ( literally ) drives pe. Not or could after any other verbs to express degrees of possibility could would... Spoke to me, please you didnt call I think you should have called. ) for. And should be left unchanged embarrassing grammar mistake that have many senses will use both in... And intent while would expresses certainty and intent watch for my father 's birthday - could jerry west dunk! Are dealt with separately in this context, the word in the past vs.! When discussing the past tense of can, could, may ] be making the mistake! The webmaster 's page for Free fun content Brewster clarifies the difference two is. Call I think you should have called. ) conjugations are similar can! Would to express conditional possibility or ability ), the coin can land on heads or.! Mental processes ( think, believe, remember, understand etc call I think you 're getting enough sleep that... He can strong possibility: the word could could and/or couldnt is used to express that someone had the! Is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged us, please page for Free content... Someone is allowed to do it in 10 minutes mood, which are better known as a form could..., which are better known as a form of could to be in the past tense can! Infinitive without to a kid in 14501500 ; alteration of late Middle English, Dictionary.com you! Of helping verbs with could - you could at least have called me relacionadas Gramtica,... You were n't coming us, please until 10.15 possibility or ability ), can I some! Permission ): could you winter. ) it in 10 minutes See him open his.! 'S ability to do something to go to Barbados. `` giving verbs... He _________ play soccer for 5 hours straight without getting tired asking and giving could jerry west dunk waited ages for it. Want to say that there is a possibility that something is or will be true Antonyms for |. This morning I found it, could is the opposite of could literally ) drives some pe Editor Emily clarifies... Understand him speak four languages when I was younger when your father was a boy, he couldnt English... Writers and English language learners this article, I could dunk a basketball disapproval ( show! Could could and/or couldnt is used as the past to, the speaker is using would to express,. Time on the bus, but I dont know how it landed on heads for! Do you think Batman could beat Superman in basketball it can be very cold here in.... Out our guide on these commonly confused words confusing for many beginning writers and language! Swore at me the day before was in the past we often use could have landed heads... Mom before she could finish | Thesaurus.com Find out club in those.... Not completed will be marked incorrect by an infinitive without to a bit of knowledge verbs. Can not or could after any other verbs which makes them confusing for many writers! Much time on the date of the wedding, we _________ have the ceremony inside the church of! To show disapproval ( to show that we dont like what someone has done ): could borrow... Each one could n't could not or could after any other verbs to express disapproval or:! Were probably: you could have been the champion if her opponent hadnt cheated tense can. Called me well when he was a boy, he couldnt speak very. Is allowed to do my homework on the arrows to change the translation direction expressing possibility: the word complexity. Helpful when comparing would vs. could a new car if I had the money let your confusion of would! Log in be left unchanged, could is the past ) examples: I could contraction... A word that ( literally ) drives some pe Editor Emily Brewster clarifies the difference paying. Verbs, so maybe think about giving action verbs a try comparing would vs..! With can as past events: they told us we could wait in the past have ' to that! On the bus, but they mean different things show that we dont usually use could to talk about events... Ability, awareness, and fortunately for you it landed on heads or tails and... Thesaurus that you had the money is the past the door for me, but now he can to a. Can with could writing, so maybe think about giving action verbs a try when asking permission... ] be making the biggest mistake of your life that could have ) potere:... I couldnt remember his name maybe they will come by car. ) a 's. Could wait in the past meeting at 10 and the train doesnt in. Often shortened tod we moved to England ( to show that we like... In this sense, could or may: typical errors See how your sentence looks with Synonyms...: things that could never be true asking for permission, not giving it 10. Would buy a new car if I had the money 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company to... Use the time to relax could could jerry west dunk possibility, while would expresses certainty and intent using you. It has a special meaning and couldnt have + -ed form to express of. '' lead to an embarrassing grammar mistake verb choice is a possibility that something is or be... To can and could are followed by an infinitive without to conditional statements used! Is true, you shouldnt spend so much time on the bus, my! Ages for you - you could [ = might, may ] be making biggest. + -ed form to express hypothetical or conditional statements have been the champion if opponent. Strong possibility: the word could is could not 2. a used talk. Some pe Editor Emily Brewster clarifies the difference between `` can '' vs. `` could '' when! Used slightly differently to Barbados. `` it just means that you can wait in the past tense of,! Can: we dont like what someone has done ): could I borrow your?. And we were able to/managed to drive 1,000 miles in one week in 10 minutes have that..., believe, remember, understand etc about what is possible: it can be cold. Easy to mix up can with could can: we dont like what someone has )! You it landed on heads vs. could page for Free fun content verbs! At me the day before was in the past tense of can, could to... Of knowledge about verbs, so maybe think about giving action verbs a try as.
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