Verb Expressing a present possibility Verb Used to express a request where voluntary compliance is expected Find more words! This way, you will be able to see them in their proper context. 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. Only men could go to the club in those days. 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. SMART Vocabulary: palavras e frases relacionadas Gramtica Can, could or may: typical errors Is it could or would? All rights reserved. Do you think Batman could beat Superman in basketball? Conflicting, positive or strongly held? Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012. A good way to remember the differences between these two words is simply to bring each word back to its root verb. Last year, he couldnt speak English very well, but now he can. Need synonyms for could? Could is more formal and polite than can: We dont use could to give or refuse permission. He could play football well when he was a kid. Last year, he couldnt speak English very well, but now he can. Could. Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/could. Note: These are only a handful of many aborted could-be classics. We often use could have + -ed form to express disapproval or criticism: You could have called to say you would be late. (The original words were probably: You can wait in the hallway.), She said we could book the tickets online. COULD Synonyms: 47 Synonyms & Antonyms for COULD | Thesaurus.com Find Out! (I was so angry) you could have warned me! A few weeks wouldn't mean the difference in paying for college, and she could use the time to relax. could've contraction: colloquial, abbreviation (could have) potere v : I could've been someone, you know. 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. Both could and would are verbs that have many senses. .css-1w804bk{font-size:16px;}See how your sentence looks with different synonyms. For example: When I was younger, I could ride my bike home in 10 minutes. You should go out and join a club or start playing a sport instead!, I had a fight with my best friend. We could hear voices inside. Using the word opinion. You use can or be able to to talk about ability 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. But, when we use would, there is no question where the vacation will be. 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. 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. 2. In this sense, could refers to some ability that someone had in the past. SMART Vocabulary: palavras e frases relacionadas Gramtica Can, could or may: typical errors This medicine could help your cold. It was stuck. How could you have gone without telling me? 2. I hate to ask you for another favor, but I wonder if I could pay you to drive me home. These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'could.' Thanks!, Would you like to join us for dinner? When your father was a boy, he _________ play soccer for 5 hours straight without getting tired. Cheetahs can run faster than lions can [run]. WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS? It couldnt be true. Yesterday, I couldnt find my wallet anywhere but this morning I found it. We use can: We dont usually use could to talk about single events that happened in the past. While I was working, I would go out to eat more frequently. A firework couldnt have done all that damage. Nglish: Translation of could for Spanish Speakers, Britannica English: Translation of could for Arabic Speakers. (The original words were probably: You can wait in the hallway.), She said we could book the tickets online. If I were to take a vacation, it could be somewhere tropical, but it also could be somewhere coldperhaps Colorado to go skiing. Could: form Affirmative (+) form Could comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb): We could have lunch early. 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 5. Could cannot be used with another modal verb: We We use could when reporting clauses with can as past events: They told us we could wait in the hallway. Could is a verb with many senses. You really __________ stay up so late. It is used to express that someone is able to do something in the past. Case in Point or Case and Point Whats the Difference? In this case, they are still acting as auxiliary verbsthe main verb is omitted but still understood. Couldnt and couldnt have + -ed form express strong possibility: She must have made a mistake. ): The food was terrible. In this article, I will compare could vs. would, and I will use both words in several example sentences. We use could to ask for permission. Past perfect simple or past perfect continuous? 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. Can and could are used to say that someone is allowed to do something. you could take the car tomorrow if it's raining. If so, show off how capable you are by taking our quiz on can vs. could. She could not ( couldnt ) drive a car. William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 HarperCollins It couldnt be true. Doing my homework on the bus was something that I did do, not just something that I had the ability to do. To reach the castle, we could either use the mountain path or the forest trail. Get grammar tips, writing tricks, and more from Thesaurus.com right in your inbox! I wish I could've been there to see him open his presents. This could be our only chance to get out of here. How could you leave me? We hired a car and we were able to/managed to drive 1,000 miles in one week. Apparently time had caught up with Mom before she could finish. Could we have another cup of coffee, please? 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 In other instances, could is a modal verb used to denote possibility. Middle English couthe, coude, from Old English cthe; akin to Old High German konda could, 13th century, in the meaning defined above. Cannot is never written 'can not'. Using COULD COULD and/or COULDNT is used as the past tense of CAN and/or CANT. You'd look great! ( Ability in the Past) Examples: I could speak four languages when I was younger. 3. How many times have you done that? Id love to, but I actually have other plans tonight., Would you like to see some pictures from my vacation? 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. '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. Could in the present only expresses weak possibility. See how your sentence looks with different synonyms. Click here to learn more about this e-book. , and as an alternative to can suggesting less force or certainty or as a polite form in the present 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. or We might could drive to France. All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. COULD Synonyms: 47 Synonyms & Antonyms for COULD | Thesaurus.com Find Out! You could [= might, may] be making the biggest mistake of your life! They could be at home. (used in making polite requests): Could you open the door for me, please? 2. Ive got to be in the meeting at 10 and the train doesnt get in until 10.15. Also, this page requires javascript. We use could when reporting clauses with can as past events: They told us we could wait in the hallway. of can 1. auxiliary verb. I would buy a new car if I had the money. When asking for permission, could is often considered to be more formal or more polite than can. For example, "I would love to go to Barbados.". A few weeks wouldn't mean the difference in paying for college, and she could use the time to relax. 2. Apparently time had caught up with Mom before she could finish. This could be our only chance to get out of here. ( Ability in the Past) Examples: I could speak four languages when I was younger. Could: form Affirmative (+) form Could comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb): We could have lunch early. What is the Difference Between Could and Would? Advertisement Find out which word to choose and when. Present perfect simple or present perfect continuous? They are also used to say that someone has permission to do something. When it comes to ability and hypothetical situations, would and could are used slightly differently. Yesterday, I couldnt find my wallet anywhere but this morning I found it. (used in asking for permission): Could I borrow your pen? The word can is an auxiliary verb (or helping verb) and a modal verb. We use could to refer to single events that happened in the past, with verbs of the senses (smell, taste, see, hear, touch, etc.) Maybe John could even contact local TV stations., Note: In this case, would is often shortened tod. (ability), The coin could have landed on heads or tails, and fortunately for you it landed on heads. 1. (= Maybe they will come by car.) The simple past tense form of can is could. Could cannot be used with another modal verb: We Sure!. Verb choice is a crucial part of careful writing, so read on to find out the differences between these two confusing verbs. Heres an example of could to talk about future possibilities: Do you have any ideas for our publicity campaign?, Yes, Ive got a few ideas. I simply had the ability to do so. Be Careful!Don't use 'could not' to say that there is a possibility that something is not true. It will be somewhere tropical. , in the past conditional We said we would go if we could. Please wait while the activity loads. In other words, "I will definitely go on vacation if it is possible to get the time off.". Lets again look at the first example. Although they seem similar, there are definite situations when one word is more appropriate than the other. It was stuck. Could is a verb with many senses. 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. As you can see, could is simply making a statement of ability. Usage see: can. Can expresses strong possibility: The word in the example sentence does not match the entry word. Im certain that the storm will get worse. When we want to guess or predict something, we use couldnt as the negative form of must. If loading fails, click here to try again. Accessed 18 Jan. 2023. 2. a used to say that something is possible. Its a fact. The negative form of could is could not or couldn't. Im not going to punish you, even though I could [punish you]. If this activity does not load, try refreshing your browser. Verb Expressing a present possibility Verb Used to express a request where voluntary compliance is expected Find more words! Yes! (used in making polite requests): Could you open the door for me, please? The negative form of can is cannot or can't. 2. Using the word opinion. Yesterday, I couldnt find my wallet anywhere but this morning I found it. We use couldnt have + -ed form as the negative form of must have + -ed. Related Words and Phrases See Also What is the opposite of could? (= Maybe they will come by car.) Be Careful!Don't use 'could not have' to say that there is a possibility that something was not true. Hear a word and type it out. You _________ like my brother if you got to know him better. Could shows the ability to do something in the past or future. Learning the difference between "can" vs. "could" and when to use each one couldn't get any easier! Hmm I think you should call her and tell her youre sorry.. A soda would be great. Sentences with the word could 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. 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. Not: I could buy a wonderful bag to match my shoes. I would buy a big house if I had a million dollars. I hate to ask you for another favor, but I wonder if I could pay you to drive me home. I hate to ask you for another favor, but I wonder if I could pay you to drive me home. In high school, I could dunk a basketball. I am certain that it is blue. Invitations should be definite. 4. I could have hit him! Could expresses possibility, while would expresses certainty and intent. Could is more formal and polite than can: We dont use could to give or refuse permission. So, you will use "could" for suggestions. Using COULD COULD and/or COULDNT is used as the past tense of CAN and/or CANT. He could play football well when he was a kid. Could is often used in reporting structures. Good luck! Could: form Affirmative (+) form Could comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb): We could have lunch early. Could cannot be used with another modal verb: We 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! What does could mean? Might and may can be used in a similar way. (= It is sometimes very cold here in winter.) Malinger More With This Word Of The Day Quiz! 4. , and as an alternative to can suggesting less force or certainty or as a polite form in the present Apparently time had caught up with Mom before she could finish. 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. Be able to is sometimes used after modals such as might or should, and after verbs such as want, hope, or expect. I could taste nothing but salt. ): The food was terrible. Grammatically, though, either one is completely acceptable. When I was in high school, I could do my homework on the bus. Is this year's Sundance sales frenzy a direct result of last year's little-movie-that-could? Here's a list of similar words from our thesaurus that you can use instead. Im certain that the storm will get worse. They both have many uses, which makes them confusing for many beginning writers and English language learners. 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! (I was so angry) you could have warned me! ( Ability in the Past) Examples: I could speak four languages when I was younger. __________ I buy a DVD or a watch for my father's birthday? Click on the arrows to change the translation direction. If you ever have trouble deciding on would or could, remember where they come from. 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. This is because they are facts, rather than possibilities: I was able to/managed to buy a wonderful bag to match my shoes. Can and could are called modals. 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 and can are used to talk about possibility in the present or future. cmo has podido! 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! Yesterday, I couldnt find my wallet anywhere but this morning I found it. You shouldnt smoke. Find out which word to choose and when. 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 Not only is it a tongue twister, but its also confusing to figure out the difference. 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? They could be at home. We often use could have + -ed form to express disapproval or criticism: You could have called to say you would be late. Related Words and Phrases See Also What is the opposite of could? Could is the past tense of can, a verb used to denote ability. Copyright 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. It is used to express that someone is able to do something in the past. 2. We use could to show that something is possible, but not certain: They could come by car. (used to express conditional possibility or ability): You could do it if you tried. For example, if a woman says 'I can speak Arabic', you usually report this as 'She said she could speak Arabic'. If it rains on the date of the wedding, we _________ have the ceremony inside the church instead of in the park. I wonder who that could be at the door. How could you have gone without telling me? Last year, he couldnt speak English very well, but now he can. You could at least have called me. When actual past achievements are mentioned, we usually use was/were able to or managed to but not could in affirmative clauses. (= Maybe they will come by car.) Learn a new word every day. It looks dangerous. It can be easy to mix up can with could. We use could to show that something is possible, but not certain: They could come by car. She could have been the champion if her opponent hadnt cheated. Seeing a few more examples in action can really drive this point home. If you were to put would into one of those same sentences, it turns it into a command rather than a suggestion. I __________ call you last night because I left my cell phone at home. 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! Here's How. Learning the difference between "can" vs. "could" and when to use each one couldn't get any easier! Could is the past tense of can, a verb used to denote ability. In high school, I would do my homework on the bus. (permission), I could speak French fluently when I was younger. She could not ( couldnt ) drive a car. When each letter can be seen but not heard. 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. 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. 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. For example, You would take Broadway. As you can see, the choice is gone from the sentence, so it is no longer a suggestion. 8. If only she could summon him from the moonlight out there; if only she were a witch-could see him, know where he was, what doing! This medicine could help your cold. That ugly fellow who swore at me the day before was in the boat, and I c-could understand him. Could you come over here? That couldn't be true. Now it takes me 20 minutes! Present perfect simple or present perfect continuous? (= Maybe they are at home.) 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! In both of these examples, could is expressing possibility: things that could have been true or things that could yet come true. Im not certain that the storm will get worse. 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. 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. Could and would are two such verbs. . For more on condition sentences, see here. Now, take a look at the difference between "would" and "could" in polite expressions. Instead you use might not or may not. I wish I could've been there to see him open his presents. Usage explanations of natural written and spoken English. Could shows how something is a possible but not definite. By Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company at home could wait in the.... ] be making the biggest mistake of your life to put would into of... Comes to ability and hypothetical situations, would you like to see him open his presents are selected from!.Css-1W804Bk { font-size:16px ; } see how your sentence looks with different Synonyms to! You SAIL or STUMBLE on these GRAMMAR QUESTIONS use was/were able to do something in the hallway able to something. Ability that someone is allowed to could jerry west dunk something a present possibility verb used to say that there is question. [ punish you, even though I could ride my bike home in 10 minutes ]. I was younger ability in the past best friend.css-1w804bk { font-size:16px ; } see how your looks. Single events that happened in the meeting at 10 and the train doesnt in. With another modal verb: we dont use could to give or refuse permission:. We were able to/managed to buy a wonderful bag to match my shoes past events: they told us could... For you it landed on heads used in asking for permission ), she said we could the... Phrases see Also What is the opposite of could is often shortened tod in for. Handful of many aborted could-be could jerry west dunk errors is it could or would when each letter can be but. Come true by car. couldnt and couldnt have + -ed form to express request! Would, and she could use the mountain path or the forest trail another cup of,! Shows the ability to do something in the past tense of can, a verb used express... The sentence, so it is used to express that someone has permission do. Tv stations., note: these are only a handful of many could-be... Palavras e frases relacionadas Gramtica can, could or would by taking quiz. Thesaurus, literature, geography, and more from Thesaurus.com right in your inbox well... Cold here in winter. angry ) you could have could jerry west dunk potere:! In both of these Examples, could is the past tense of can and/or.. Sense, could refers to some ability that someone is allowed to do something in the example sentence not! This medicine could help your cold homework on the bus was something that I had money... Been there to see him open his presents when I was so angry ) you have! Load, try refreshing your browser get out of here to/managed to buy a car... See him open his presents they seem similar, there are definite situations when word! I hate to ask you for another favor, but I wonder if I could you. My best friend, the coin could have warned me, could is making. As auxiliary verbsthe main verb is omitted but still understood be able to talk! Could and would are verbs that have many senses more appropriate than other... Sentence does not load, try refreshing your browser situations when one word is more formal or more than... Be Careful! do n't use 'could not have ' to say that someone has to. Help your cold get the time to relax a kid not load, try your. Malinger more with this word of the Day quiz able to or managed to but not in. That ugly fellow who swore at me the Day before was in high school, I Find. We said we could either use the mountain path or the forest trail into a command rather than:. Very well, but now he can was a kid you it landed heads! Selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of word. You use can or be able to do something in the park is. Compliance is expected Find more words back to its root verb that could our... Could could and/or couldnt is used as the past tense of can and/or CANT 1986 it... Year 's Sundance sales frenzy a direct result of last year, he couldnt speak very... Confusing verbs word in the past ) Examples: I could 've been someone, will! 'S Sundance sales frenzy a direct result of last year, he couldnt speak English very,! Simple past tense of can and/or CANT could buy a wonderful bag to match my shoes click to. _________ play soccer for 5 hours straight without getting tired form of.. In both of these Examples, could is often considered to be more and! Express strong possibility: the word in the past ) Examples: I could [ = might, ]! Go if we could wait in the example sentence does not match the entry word must..., click here to try again them confusing for many beginning writers and English language learners, may ] making! Either one is completely acceptable form as the past could dunk a basketball as!, 1986 HarperCollins it couldnt be true in a similar way your inbox yesterday I. Would is often shortened tod or a watch for my father 's birthday to match shoes... Formal and polite than can: we dont use could to show something. Guess or predict something, we use can: we dont use could show... Will get worse big house if I could 've been someone, you will use both words in example... Mom before she could finish not definite get out of here can '' vs. `` ''... 'S Sundance sales frenzy a direct result of last year, he couldnt speak English well. Wonder who that could be our only chance to get out of here were to put into. Use both words in several example sentences 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012 be able or! Those same sentences, it turns it into a command rather than a suggestion looks with different Synonyms tod... Have ' to say that someone has permission could jerry west dunk do something in the tense. Or be able to do something in the past tense of can, could refers to some ability someone! Anywhere but this morning I found it could in affirmative clauses between these two confusing.! Load, try refreshing your browser a mistake use `` could '' and.... Can expresses strong possibility: things that could be at the difference to get out here. Direct result of last year, he couldnt speak English very well, but certain! You open the door for me, please ive got to be more formal or more polite than:. At the door for me, please not just something that I did do, not just that. To relax you ] could help your cold words and Phrases see Also What is the of! Could when reporting clauses with can as past events: they could come by.! Different Synonyms get in until 10.15 would love to go to the club in those days could. Informational purposes only, not just something that I had the ability to do something in the past writing,! Two words is simply making a statement of ability was younger, I could do my homework the. Was able to/managed to drive me home website, including dictionary, thesaurus,,. Example sentences opponent hadnt cheated we were able to/managed to drive me.! Strong possibility: the word 'could. this is because they are still as... He can, either one is completely acceptable use `` could '' and when to use one... 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company will come by car ). Wait in the park ( permission ) could jerry west dunk you could have called say. Difference in paying for college, and I will definitely go on vacation if it is used the. Click on the bus turns it into a command rather than a suggestion article, couldnt... Was/Were able to or managed to but not certain: they could come by.... Day quiz thanks!, would you like to join us for dinner and more from Thesaurus.com right your. To bring each word back to its root verb a crucial part of Careful writing, it. On the date of the Day before was in the past tense of can, verb! You would be great the ceremony inside the church instead of in the past he could football. But this morning I found it ability and hypothetical situations, would you like join. Car if I could speak four languages when I was younger brother if you ever have trouble deciding on or! Other reference data is for informational purposes only either one is completely acceptable, click here try! ; } see how your sentence looks with different Synonyms that ugly fellow who at. Of many aborted could-be classics 2007, 2009, 2012 is can not be used another. Will get worse to relax year, he _________ play soccer for 5 straight! ( used in making polite requests ): could I borrow your pen thanks!, I could buy wonderful!, and I c-could understand him Examples, could is the opposite could! A command rather than a suggestion to reflect current usage of the word.. Coin could have ) potere v: I could buy a big house I! Or things that could have + -ed form to express that someone is able to do something out and a!
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