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 …

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.

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.

Mar 23, 2023 · Learn the difference between can vs. could and how to use each of them in a sentence, with examples of each word used correctly.

Apr 9, 2025 · Learn 8 expert ways to use could in English—past abilities, polite requests, regrets, and more—with real examples and clear practice tips.

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

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

Could expresses possibility, while would expresses certainty and intent. A good way to remember the differences between these two words is simply to bring each word back to its root verb.