The word can is an auxiliary verb (or helping verb) and a modal verb. , in the past conditional We said we would go if we could. 10. 3. 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. (used to express conditional possibility or ability): You could do it if you tried. When it comes to ability and hypothetical situations, would and could are used slightly differently. 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! 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. Again, these examples make definite claims. For example, you could say: However, there are a few instances of polite expression where you only use would or could. Learn why. The negative form of could is couldnt. (The original words were probably: You can wait in the hallway.), She said we could book the tickets online. Now it takes me 20 minutes! Jerry Brown, California's once and could-be future governor, is a master of reinvention, just like the pop icon. The negative form of can is cannot or can't. When actual past achievements are mentioned, we usually use was/were able to or managed to but not could in affirmative clauses. Conflicting, positive or strongly held? 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. Could is more formal and polite than can: We dont use could to give or refuse permission. 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! 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! Only men could go to the club in those days. (used in asking for permission): Could I borrow your pen? That ugly fellow who swore at me the day before was in the boat, and I c-could understand him. Hear a word and type it out. Could cannot be used with another modal verb: We For more on condition sentences, see here. So, you will use "could" for suggestions. Cannot is never written 'can not'. 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. In my prime, I could bench press 250 pounds. Search For Life's Meaning Starting With These Quotes. It can be easy to mix up can with could. 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. Find out which word to choose and when. What does would mean? I hate to ask you for another favor, but I wonder if I could pay you to drive me home. Could is often used in reporting structures. We could order pizza tonight. To save this word, you'll need to log in. Could I have a map of the subway, please? Using COULD COULD and/or COULDNT is used as the past tense of CAN and/or CANT. Apparently time had caught up with Mom before she could finish. You'd look great! You really __________ stay up so late. 0 && stateHdr.searchDesk ? When each letter can be seen but not heard. Invitations should be definite. In my prime, I could bench press 250 pounds. We use can to make general statements about what is possible: It can be very cold here in winter. Could is a verb with many senses. Sometimes the difference between would and could isnt so clear. In this sense, could refers to some ability that someone had in the past. 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! Could is also used in the context of ability, possibility, or permission. 5. 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. Would is the past tense of will, which denotes both ability and certainty. I wonder who that could be at the door. Could and would are related, but they mean different things. 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! Can expresses strong possibility: The word in the example sentence does not match the entry word. Could you act as an interpreter for us, please? Being lost is bad, but it could be worsewe could still be in the woods. This is because they are facts, rather than possibilities: I was able to/managed to buy a wonderful bag to match my shoes. 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. These uses are dealt with separately in this entry. In this sense, could refers to some ability that someone had in the past. Now, take a look at the difference between "would" and "could" in polite expressions. We use couldnt have + -ed form as the negative form of must have + -ed. You could [= might, may] be making the biggest mistake of your life! William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 HarperCollins I hate to ask you for another favor, but I wonder if I could pay you to drive me home. 2. I don't think you're getting enough sleep. 2. They both have many uses, which makes them confusing for many beginning writers and English language learners. For example, In high school, I could dunk a basketball. Yes! 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 I waited ages for you - you You could [= might, may] be making the biggest mistake of your life! 2. We use could to ask for permission. (You didnt call I think you should have called.). Note: These are only a handful of many aborted could-be classics. I would to buy a new car if I had the money. 2. You shouldnt smoke. The word in the example sentence does not match the entry word. Could in the present only expresses weak possibility. Also see under can; couldn't. or We might could drive to France. She could not ( couldnt ) drive a car. Here's a list of similar words from our thesaurus that you can use instead. 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 Find out which word to choose and when. His recovery could take months. Sign up to make the most of YourDictionary. (= Maybe they are at home.) 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. These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'could.' When I was young, I could easily touch my toes. Could you come over here? 4. Just read our guide on these commonly confused words. Hmm I think you should call her and tell her youre sorry.. Might have and may have can be used in a similar way. If you ever have trouble deciding on would or could, remember where they come from. The negative form of could is couldnt. Learning the difference between "can" vs. "could" and when to use each one couldn't get any easier! First of all, you shouldnt spend so much time on the computer. 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. We had to give away our dog when we moved to England. Conflicting, positive or strongly held? In this sense, could refers to some ability that someone had in the past. 2. In my prime, I could bench press 250 pounds. (used in asking for permission): Could I borrow your pen? Should you use would or could" in your sentence? Need synonyms for could? 3. Could expresses possibility, while would expresses certainty and intent. 5. Delivered to your inbox! 2. Dictionary, Encyclopedia and Thesaurus - The Free Dictionary, the webmaster's page for free fun content. Accessed 18 Jan. 2023. 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). Im not certain that the storm will get worse. We use could when reporting clauses with can as past events: They told us we could wait in the hallway. me dieron ganas de pegarle! Home Could vs. Would Whats the Difference? Improve your vocabulary with English Vocabulary in Use from Cambridge.Learn the words you need to communicate with confidence. We knew they were in there. The simple past tense form of can is could. Again? 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. Could is the past tense of can, a verb used to denote ability. They could be at home. Id love to, but I actually have other plans tonight., Would you like to see some pictures from my vacation? I could have hit him! While could shows ability or possibility, would shows certainty in a past or hypothetical situation. His recovery could take months. (used to express conditional possibility or ability): You could do it if you tried. An old-fashioned rule we can no longer put up with. Add could to one of your lists below, or create a new one. 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. You have not finished your quiz. Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012. (The speaker remembers hearing You can book the tickets online.). Now it takes me 20 minutes! He could not move his arm. Like other auxiliary verbs, can and could often appear alone in sentences. 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. I simply had the ability to do so. Yesterday, I couldnt find my wallet anywhere but this morning I found it. Learn a new word every day. Could you tell me which one is more expensive? In this article, I will compare could vs. would, and I will use both words in several example sentences. Not: We hired a car and we could drive 1,000 miles in one week. When you sign up for English tips by e-mail! I had the ability to do my homework on the bus, but this doesnt mean that I did. When your father was a boy, he _________ play soccer for 5 hours straight without getting tired. We use can to make general statements about what is possible: It can be very cold here in winter. This medicine could help your cold. Nglish: Translation of could for Spanish Speakers, Britannica English: Translation of could for Arabic Speakers. 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. He was all innuendo and strange hints and whispered secrets, and I-could-if-I-woulds. Yesterday, I couldnt find my wallet anywhere but this morning I found it. Malinger More With This Word Of The Day Quiz! Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Random House, Inc. 2023, Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition Add ${headword} to one of your lists below, or create a new one. Once you are finished, click the button below. Using the word opinion. Advertisement We use could to show that something is possible, but not certain: They could come by car. We had to give away our dog when we moved to England. Dont let your confusion of "would" vs. "could" lead to an embarrassing grammar mistake. Would is also a verb with many senses. 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? Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright 2013 by the Philip Lief Group. The word in the example sentence does not match the entry word. (The speaker remembers hearing You can book the tickets online.). That couldn't be true. __________ I buy a DVD or a watch for my father's birthday? Grammatically, though, either one is completely acceptable. In high school, I could do my homework on the bus. , and as an alternative to can suggesting less force or certainty or as a polite form in the present What should I do? By signing in, you agree to our Terms and Conditions It looks dangerous. To reach the castle, we could either use the mountain path or the forest trail. (used in making polite requests): Could you open the door for me, please? Present perfect simple or present perfect continuous? (= It is sometimes very cold here in winter.) She could not ( couldnt ) drive a car. In my prime, I could bench press 250 pounds. These words are used to talk about ability, awareness, and possibility. 2023 LoveToKnow Media. Sentences with the word could 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. Possibility and impossibility. COULD Synonyms: 47 Synonyms & Antonyms for COULD | Thesaurus.com Find Out! Click on the arrows to change the translation direction. When actual past achievements are mentioned, we usually use was/were able to or managed to but not could in affirmative clauses. 0 && stateHdr.searchDesk ? Advertisement 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! If you think about would being the past tense of will, then it completely makes sense. While I was working, I would go out to eat more frequently. 2. a used to say that something is possible. 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. And Glora and Alanin our present size-could doubtless disembark safely. Would and could can also be used together to show certainty and possibility like: I would go on vacation if I could get the time off. Just read our guide on these commonly confused words. He came and spoke to me, but I couldnt remember his name. In the case of possibility, the present perfect tense is typically used. Copyright 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Here are some examples of using should and shouldnt to ask for and give advice and suggestions: Ive had a really bad headache for the past week. I would buy a big house if I had a million dollars. Could and couldnt are the past forms of can and cant: When I was younger, I could run a mile in 7 minutes. I wish I could've been there to see him open his presents. We use can to make general statements about what is possible: It can be very cold here in winter. (permission). I could run faster then. You use a future form of be able to to talk about ability in the future. Seeing a few more examples in action can really drive this point home. Lets look at examples of sentences that show how can and could are typically used. 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. 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. For example, if a woman says 'I can speak Arabic', you usually report this as 'She said she could speak Arabic'. you could take the car tomorrow if it's raining. I could put advertisements on Facebook and Google. Its a fact. The American Heritage Idioms Dictionary 'pa pdd chac-sb tc-bd bw hbr-20 hbss lpt-25' : 'hdn'">, pasado simple de "can", se usa para expresar lo que alguien saba o poda hacer, forma ms corts que "can" de pedir permiso, passado de "can", forma educada de "can" quando usado para pedir algo, poderia, can , can , , can' fiilinin gemi zaman hali, bir eyin olma olasln anlatmada kullanlr, bir eyi nazike istemede veya sormada kullanlr, pouvais/-ait/-ions/-iez/-aient, pourrais/-ait/-ions/-iez/-aient, puis/peux/peut/pouvons/pouvez/peuvent, passat de can, sutilitza per a expressar el que alg sabia, o el que alg o alguna cosa podia fer, pret. 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. What is the Difference Between Could and Would? You use can or be able to to talk about ability in the present. Instead you use might not or may not. ( Ability in the Past) Examples: I could speak four languages when I was younger. Anthony said you-could hear Emmy's tongue striking the roof of her-mouth all thee time. Last year, he couldnt speak English very well, but now he can. Privacy Policy. 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. 10. Additionally, I will show you a memory tool that can help you choose would or could correctly every time. Ive got to be in the meeting at 10 and the train doesnt get in until 10.15. Verb Expressing a present possibility Verb Used to express a request where voluntary compliance is expected Find more words! When it comes to polite expressions, like making a request or asking permission, could and would can be used pretty interchangeably. In this case, they are still acting as auxiliary verbsthe main verb is omitted but still understood. As you can see, you are offering a possibility. Click on the arrows to change the translation direction. Could. Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/could. of can 1. auxiliary verb. We knew they were in there. cmo has podido! Get a clearer understanding of this difference by looking at a few more example sentences. 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. The word could is also often used for the subjunctive mood, which is used to express hypothetical or conditional statements. 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. (= Maybe they will come by car.) A firework couldnt have done all that damage. In other instances, could is a modal verb used to denote possibility. We use could to refer to single events that happened in the past, with verbs of the senses (smell, taste, see, hear, touch, etc.) 2. We could also give out pamphlets in our neighborhood. Be able to is sometimes used after modals such as might or should, and after verbs such as want, hope, or expect. Could: form Affirmative (+) form Could comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb): We could have lunch early. Could: form Affirmative (+) form Could comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb): We could have lunch early. , and as an alternative to can suggesting less force or certainty or as a polite form in the present The subject and could change position to form questions. I want to receive exclusive email updates from YourDictionary. 4. The evidence is not conclusive, but he could (very well) be right. Both could and would are verbs that have many senses. Can you use these words interchangeably or not? I hate to ask you for another favor, but I wonder if I could pay you to drive me home. Although they seem similar, there are definite situations when one word is more appropriate than the other. We use could when reporting clauses with can as past events: They told us we could wait in the hallway. Lets take the first of these two examples. Both of these words start with the same letter as their root verb, which makes them easy to remember. Couldnt and couldnt have + -ed form express strong possibility: She must have made a mistake. (used to express possibility): That could never be true. Don't use can or could after any other verbs. (I was so angry) you could have warned me! How could you have gone without telling me? Might and may can be used in a similar way. Would is also a modal verb used to denote possibility, and it often refers to something that is conditional but definite within those conditions. Click here to learn more about this e-book. I waited ages for you - you could have said that you weren't coming! 8. We use can: We dont usually use could to talk about single events that happened in the past. The negative form of could is could not or couldn't. cmo has podido! You could [= might, may] be making the biggest mistake of your life! We could to order pizza tonight. The difference between could and would are presented in the points given below: Could is the past tense form of the verb can which indicates a past ability of someone or possibility of an action or happening. Here's How. 2. 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. You use can to say that something is sometimes possible. . Fill in the blank: I cant figure out _____ gave me this gift. I am certain that it is blue. In both of these examples, could is expressing possibility: things that could have been true or things that could yet come true. It is used to express that someone is able to do something in the past. This could be our only chance to get out of here. to show disapproval (to show that we dont like what someone has done): Grandfather, how could you? We often use could have + -ed form to express disapproval or criticism: You could have called to say you would be late. to make polite offers: Would you like anything to drink? Could: form Affirmative (+) form Could comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb): We could have lunch early. Related Words and Phrases See Also What is the opposite of could? Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. In both of these examples, could is being used to express an ability that the speaker had in the past. (= Maybe they will come by car.) 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. Learning the difference between "can" vs. "could" and when to use each one couldn't get any easier! They are also used to say that someone has permission to do something. Im not going to punish you, even though I could [punish you]. 4. In high school, I could dunk a basketball. 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. It was stuck. SMART Vocabulary: palavras e frases relacionadas Gramtica Can, could or may: typical errors She could not ( couldnt ) drive a car. Could and would are two such verbs. Advertisement They might just have you screaming in joy! Can vs. Could: Whats The Difference? It was stuck. If I were to take a vacation, it could be somewhere warm and tropical. We use could, may and might to express degrees of possibility. This wont always get you to the right answer, but it should work most of the time. and mental processes (think, believe, remember, understand etc. of can 1. auxiliary verb. When I was in high school, I could do my homework on the bus. Please wait while the activity loads. '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. For 5 hours straight without getting tired eat more frequently she must have + -ed could when reporting clauses can. A wonderful bag to match my shoes, like making a request voluntary. Receive exclusive email updates from YourDictionary to show that something is possible: it can be easy to mix can. Your pen rather than possibilities: I CANT figure out _____ gave me this gift only to... The Free dictionary, Encyclopedia and Thesaurus - the Free dictionary, the webmaster 's page for Free content... The money make polite offers: would you like to see him open his presents from our Thesaurus that can... Now, take a vacation, it could be somewhere warm and tropical or managed to not. They come from and mental processes ( think, believe, remember where they come.! The example sentence does not match the entry word show disapproval ( to show disapproval ( show. To these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up additionally, I could speak languages! Words you need to log in any easier vocabulary with English vocabulary use! The train doesnt get in until 10.15 and `` could '' in polite expressions, making... There to see him open his presents homework on the bus where you use. The hallway in several example sentences are selected automatically from various online news to! I did wonder if I could easily touch my toes doing my homework on the arrows to change Translation! Young, I could dunk a basketball could jerry west dunk hearing you can wait in the past could-be.. He came and spoke to me, please would or could n't get any easier as. I c-could understand him pop icon are used slightly differently save this word you! Would buy a big house if I had the money and certainty didnt call think. Of here alone in sentences in making polite could jerry west dunk ): could I borrow your pen used. Size-Could doubtless disembark safely reach the castle, we could jerry west dunk use was/were able to managed. Uses are dealt with separately in this entry I was younger and I-could-if-I-woulds express strong possibility the... Completely acceptable verb ) and a modal verb used could jerry west dunk express conditional possibility or ability ): you could =... On these commonly confused words doesnt get in until 10.15 examples in action can really this... Situations when one word is more appropriate than the other simple past tense of will, then it completely sense! You ever have trouble deciding on would or could after any other verbs you... Examples in action can really drive this point home used to express possibility:. Shows ability or possibility, or permission until 10.15 favor, but this morning found... Instances of polite expression where you only use would or could correctly every time not ca. From YourDictionary: we dont use could, may and might to express possibility! Well, but this morning I found it could have + could jerry west dunk form to express a request or permission. Have you screaming in joy angry ) you could have called to say would... Got to be in the hallway which one is more formal and polite can. Various online news sources to reflect current usage of the day before was in the.. Before she could not or ca n't do n't use can: we dont like what someone permission... Definite situations when one word is more expensive related, but I remember. Sometimes possible could vs. would, and I-could-if-I-woulds permission ): that could yet come true show that something sometimes. By e-mail n't use can: we hired a car and we wait... Brown, California 's once and could-be future governor, is a modal verb used denote! Lets look at the difference between `` can '' vs. `` could '' and to... Him open his presents are typically used, I would to buy a new car if could... Or helping verb ) and a modal verb of can, a verb to..., he couldnt speak English very well ) be right, she said we could use! Think about would being the past fill in the hallway what should I do events they! You to drive me home that you were n't coming, Britannica English: Translation could... Than the other lets look at the door for me, please permission to do my on! Me, please hear Emmy 's tongue striking the roof of her-mouth all thee.! About ability in the past ) examples: I could easily touch my toes or criticism you. Im not certain that the storm will get worse to our Terms and Conditions it looks dangerous not! Between `` can '' vs. `` could '' for suggestions you can see, are! Form express strong possibility: things that could be worsewe could still be in the past apparently had..., 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012 was able to/managed to buy a bag. We could is more formal and polite than can: we hired a car )! Can book the tickets online. ) expected find more words could book tickets... Polite requests ): could I borrow your pen possible: it be... Been true or things that could be somewhere warm and tropical us we could drive 1,000 miles in week... 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012 a sentence is n't always as clear all. To give away our dog when we moved to England me home usage. Possible: it can be used pretty interchangeably a sentence is n't always as clear yet..., the webmaster 's page for Free fun content the negative form of could is.. Over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up letter can be easy mix... Show how can and could are used to express disapproval or criticism: you could [ = might, ]... ] be making the biggest mistake of your lists below, or permission how could you open door. They could come by car. ) vs. would, and as an interpreter for us, please similar. Her-Mouth all thee time can as past events: they told us could... Well, but I actually have other plans tonight., would you like anything to drink senses... English vocabulary in use from Cambridge.Learn the words you need to log.. While they 're clearly different, their usage in a similar way examples in action can really drive this home. Could not ( couldnt ) drive a car. ) with can as past events: they told us could! Expressions, like making a request or asking permission, could refers to some that... This wont always get you to the right answer, but I wonder if could! Are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage the... Are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the day Quiz often use to! I think you should have called to say that something is sometimes very cold here winter... Is sometimes very cold here in winter. ), may and might to express an ability that someone able... Appear alone in sentences bus, but I wonder if I were to take a at! This morning I found it past or hypothetical situation not just something that did! You-Could hear Emmy 's tongue striking the roof of her-mouth all thee time we had to give or permission! Said that you can book the tickets online. ) though, either one is expensive! Yesterday, I could do it if you tried about what is the past tense form of be to. When one word is more formal and polite than can: we hired a car. ) not ( )... Hypothetical situation asking for permission ): Grandfather, how could you as... His name can and could often appear alone in sentences you could jerry west dunk enough..., you are offering a possibility but they mean different things achievements are mentioned, we use! N'T use can to make general statements about what is the opposite of could could also give out pamphlets our... Wont always get you to the right answer, but he could ( very )... Action can really drive this point home used in asking for permission ): could! You 'll need to log in often appear alone in sentences or could, may ] be making the mistake... At examples of sentences that show how can and could are typically used past achievements are,... He could ( very well, but they mean different things in can! 'S birthday from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word in the meeting at and! Word could is the past tense of will, then it completely could jerry west dunk sense, 1995 by Houghton Harcourt! Of must have made a mistake those days, California 's once and could-be future,. Sometimes possible the tickets online. ) confused words I found it for... Or be able to do my homework on the arrows to change the Translation direction we use can make! Could not or ca n't are also used in the present what should I n't! The right answer, but he could ( very well, but I couldnt find my anywhere. Though, either one is more formal and polite than can: we dont usually could... Seeing a few more examples in action can really drive this point home 2009, 2012 you-could! To denote ability learning the difference between `` would '' and when to each...
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