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. Click here to learn more about this e-book. Doing my homework on the bus was something that I did do, not just something that I had the ability to do. In the case of possibility, the present perfect tense is typically used. Hear a word and type it out. It couldnt be true. When it comes to ability and hypothetical situations, would and could are used slightly differently. 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. Don't use can or could after any other verbs. This medicine could help your cold. (The speaker remembers hearing You can book the tickets online.). Good luck! I __________ touch that equipment if I were you. Please wait while the activity loads. 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. This medicine could help your cold. Just read our guide on these commonly confused words. 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. Be Careful!Don't use 'could not have' to say that there is a possibility that something was not true. As you can see, you are offering a possibility. Its a fact. We use could to ask for permission. Thanks!, Would you like to join us for dinner? Could cannot be used with another modal verb: We Would is the past tense of will, which denotes both ability and certainty. These uses are dealt with separately in this entry. 0 && stateHdr.searchDesk ? For example: When I was younger, I could ride my bike home in 10 minutes. 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. You could [= might, may] be making the biggest mistake of your life! We use could to refer to single events that happened in the past, with verbs of the senses (smell, taste, see, hear, touch, etc.) The negative form of can is cannot or can't. I would to buy a new car if I had the money. We use could to refer to single events that happened in the past, with verbs of the senses (smell, taste, see, hear, touch, etc.) Could. Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/could. Additionally, I will show you a memory tool that can help you choose would or could correctly every time. (possibility), Could I have some water, please? The word can is an auxiliary verb (or helping verb) and a modal verb. Here's a list of similar words from our thesaurus that you can use instead. In my opinion, you _________ dye your hair blonde. Is it could or would? Using the word opinion. I want to receive exclusive email updates from YourDictionary. 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 I could do it next week if you helped me. 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. 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). Could: form Affirmative (+) form Could comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb): We could have lunch early. 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. When used this way, could is used to express conditional or hypothetical ability or possibility even when talking about the present or the future. In this sense, could refers to some ability that someone had in the past. 8. Could is more formal and polite than can: We dont use could to give or refuse permission. Jerry Brown, California's once and could-be future governor, is a master of reinvention, just like the pop icon. Invitations should be definite. Lets look at examples of sentences that show how can and could are typically used. , in the past conditional We said we would go if we could. I waited ages for you - you could have said that you weren't coming! In this case, they are still acting as auxiliary verbsthe main verb is omitted but still understood. Using COULD COULD and/or COULDNT is used as the past tense of CAN and/or CANT. Be able to is sometimes used after modals such as might or should, and after verbs such as want, hope, or expect. Many native speakers disagree on which one expresses more or less certainty. , and as an alternative to can suggesting less force or certainty or as a polite form in the present We knew they were in there. used as an auxiliary to make the past tense of, used as an auxiliary, esp in polite requests or in conditional sentences, to make the subjunctive mood of, used as an auxiliary to indicate suggestion of a course of action, you could take the car tomorrow if it's raining, used as an auxiliary to indicate a possibility, Doomed Passion Projects of Hollywood: The Lost Classics of Stanley Kubrick, Alfred Hitchcock, and More, Everyday Sexism Creator Laura Bates on Helping Women Speak Out. Usage explanations of natural written and spoken English. What does could mean? 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. and 4. 1. Find out which word to choose and when. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! Could cannot be used with another modal verb: We Named after Sir Robert Peel, what are British police called. We had to give away our dog when we moved to England. When I was young, I could easily touch my toes. Not only is it a tongue twister, but its also confusing to figure out the difference. (used in asking for permission): Could I borrow your pen? Could is the past tense of can, a verb used to denote ability. Seeing a few more examples in action can really drive this point home. Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Random House, Inc. 2023, Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition '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. 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. 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. (You didnt call I think you should have called.). I had the ability to do my homework on the bus, but this doesnt mean that I did. Not: We hired a car and we could drive 1,000 miles in one week. It is commonly used together with other verbs to express ability, possibility, or permission (asking and giving). You dont want to leave any question that you are offering or inviting someone. I would buy a big house if I had a million dollars. In high school, I could do my homework on the bus. She could not ( couldnt ) drive a car. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. As you can see, could is simply making a statement of ability. I hate to ask you for another favor, but I wonder if I could pay you to drive me home. I would buy a new car if I had the money. Related Words and Phrases See Also What is the opposite of could? Conflicting, positive or strongly held? In my prime, I could bench press 250 pounds. Could is a verb with many senses. 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. They could be at home. To save this word, you'll need to log in. 4. These expressions will use would., The clue to the fact that this is an offer or invitation is the inclusion of the word like. Similar terms would work in much the same way. 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. Possibility and impossibility. We hired a car and we were able to/managed to drive 1,000 miles in one week. When you sign up for English tips by e-mail! For example, In high school, I could dunk a basketball. I waited ages for you - you could have said that you weren't coming! Past perfect simple or past perfect continuous? Both can and could are followed by an infinitive without to. to show disapproval (to show that we dont like what someone has done): Grandfather, how could you? COULD Synonyms: 47 Synonyms & Antonyms for COULD | Thesaurus.com Find Out! This could be our only chance to get out of here. While they're clearly different, their usage in a sentence isn't always as clear. We could order pizza tonight. (You didnt call I think you should have called.). They could be the champions if they can start to get along. Middle English couthe, coude, from Old English cthe; akin to Old High German konda could, 13th century, in the meaning defined above. Possibility and impossibility. (used to express possibility): That could never be true. But, when we use would, there is no question where the vacation will be. While could shows ability or possibility, would shows certainty in a past or hypothetical situation. me dieron ganas de pegarle! I wonder who that could be at the door. Could is the past tense of can, a verb used to denote ability. You _________ like my brother if you got to know him better. (= Maybe they are at home.) Would is also a modal verb used to denote possibility, and it often refers to something that is conditional but definite within those conditions. Could and would are two such verbs. Although they seem similar, there are definite situations when one word is more appropriate than the other. 2. The word in the example sentence does not match the entry word. I waited ages for you - you Feeling confident about how much youve learned about these verbs? me dieron ganas de pegarle! If so, show off how capable you are by taking our quiz on can vs. could. (I was so angry) you could have warned me! For example: When I was younger, I would ride my bike home in 10 minutes. 4. I would to buy a new car if I had the money. I wish I could've been there to see him open his presents. It is used to express that someone is able to do something in the past. Could is often used in reporting structures. 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. 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 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! How many times have you done that? Whats The Difference Between Yule And Christmas? Need synonyms for could? That couldn't be true. We use can: We dont usually use could to talk about single events that happened in the past. We could hear voices inside. Lets take the first of these two examples. Related Words and Phrases See Also What is the opposite of could? Could you tell me which one is more expensive? Not: We hired a car and we could drive 1,000 miles in one week. You use could to say that there is a possibility that something is or will be true. Might have and may have can be used in a similar way. ( Ability in the Past) Examples: I could speak four languages when I was younger. I don't think you're getting enough sleep. I could have hit him! In other instances, could is a modal verb used to denote possibility. Any items you have not completed will be marked incorrect. (I was so angry) you could have warned me! 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. The negative form of could is couldnt. Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012. 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. (permission), Sure, you can have some water. You really __________ stay up so late. We use could when reporting clauses with can as past events: They told us we could wait in the hallway. We use could, may and might to express degrees of possibility. In this article, I will compare could vs. would, and I will use both words in several example sentences. Could is the past tense of can, a verb used to denote ability. Should you use would or could" in your sentence? He came and spoke to me, but I couldnt remember his name. I waited ages for you - you 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? The past tense of the verb will is would and the past tense of the verb shall is should. of can 1. auxiliary verb. You could [= might, may] be making the biggest mistake of your life! 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. Again? 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. 2. He could play football well when he was a kid. We use couldnt have + -ed form as the negative form of must have + -ed. Advertisement It is also used for some conditional present and future tenses of can. What do you think? (= Maybe they will come by car.) Accessed 18 Jan. 2023. Clear up your doubts about confusing words and use English more confidently! see can (could) do with; see with half an eye, could. For example, you could say: However, there are a few instances of polite expression where you only use would or could. Learn why. We could also give out pamphlets in our neighborhood. I need to talk to you. 10. I could put advertisements on Facebook and Google. COULD Synonyms: 47 Synonyms & Antonyms for COULD | Thesaurus.com Find Out! How could you leave me? cmo has podido! __________ I buy a DVD or a watch for my father's birthday? In other words, "I will definitely go on vacation if it is possible to get the time off.". 2. Couldnt and couldnt have + -ed form express strong possibility: She must have made a mistake. Click on the arrows to change the translation direction. When I was young, I could easily touch my toes. 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! Search For Life's Meaning Starting With These Quotes. Verb choice is a crucial part of careful writing, so read on to find out the differences between these two confusing verbs. In high school, I could dunk a basketball. If you want to say that it is impossible that something was true, you use could not have. When discussing the past in this context, the word could is often used alongside the auxiliary verb have. The subject and could change position to form questions. Now that you know what they are, you can break down their respective meanings. Now it takes me 20 minutes! Last year, he couldnt speak English very well, but now he can. (I was so angry) you could have warned me! (used to express conditional possibility or ability): You could do it if you tried. Yesterday, I couldnt find my wallet anywhere but this morning I found it. Id love to, but I actually have other plans tonight., Would you like to see some pictures from my vacation? We could hear voices inside. Could we have another cup of tea, please? 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. 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? If you say that someone was able to do something, you usually mean that they had the ability to do it and they did it. 4. (used in making polite requests): Could you open the door for me, please? (permission), I could speak French fluently when I was younger. , in the past conditional We said we would go if we could. 2. a used to say that something is possible. (The original words were probably: You can wait in the hallway.), She said we could book the tickets online. and mental processes (think, believe, remember, understand etc. I could have hit him! 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. Now it takes me 20 minutes! . It was stuck. 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. could modal verb (SHOULD) used for saying, especially angrily, what you think someone else should do: Well, you could try to look a little more enthusiastic! This is because they are facts, rather than possibilities: I was able to/managed to buy a wonderful bag to match my shoes. Still confused? 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. When I was in high school, I could do my homework on the bus. His recovery could take months. He could not move his arm. A soda would be great. Usage see: can. 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. This is because they are facts, rather than possibilities: I was able to/managed to buy a wonderful bag to match my shoes. How could you leave me? The evidence is not conclusive, but he could (very well) be right. The negative form of could is couldnt. Not only did you have the ability to ride your bike home in 10 minutes, but you did do it in 10 minutes. To reach the castle, we could either use the mountain path or the forest trail. Could shows how something is a possible but not definite. Wellbeing or Well-Being Which is Correct? You use a future form of be able to to talk about ability in the future. The evidence is not conclusive, but he could (very well) be right. What should I do? It is used to express that someone is able to do something in the past. I wish I could've been there to see him open his presents. When asking for permission, could is often considered to be more formal or more polite than can. (used to express conditional possibility or ability): You could do it if you tried. You use could or a past form of be able to to talk about ability in the past. Click on the arrows to change the translation direction. In this sense, could refers to some ability that someone had in the past. Senior defensive linemen Mike Morris and Mazi Smith are both also entering the NFL draft, which makes a minimum of four starters in coordinator Jesse Minter's defense who, The finding demonstrates how the observatory, In March 2021, the supreme court ruled the incriminating statements made by Julie Jensen that were revealed after her death, Neither Bain nor Deleveaux expressed particular concern about the knock-on effects FTX, The planet, called TOI 700 e, is orbiting around a star and, Now, a study published January 10 in the journal Hypertension offers even more evidence of the positive health outcomes that sodium reduction, and as a polite or less forceful alternative to, Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. Could I have a map of the subway, please? cmo has podido! (The original words were probably: You can wait in the hallway.), She said we could book the tickets online. , and as an alternative to can suggesting less force or certainty or as a polite form in the present (used in making polite requests): Could you open the door for me, please? These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'could.' Ive got to be in the meeting at 10 and the train doesnt get in until 10.15. (= Maybe they will come by car.) Follow these quick and easy guidelines to never get confused again. First of all, you shouldnt spend so much time on the computer. Yes! COULD Synonyms: 47 Synonyms & Antonyms for COULD | Thesaurus.com Find Out! (= It is sometimes very cold here in winter.) All rights reserved. He could not move his arm. We use could to ask for permission. Im not going to punish you, even though I could [punish you]. Would is the past tense of will. Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Being lost is bad, but it could be worsewe could still be in the woods. Cheetahs can run faster than lions can [run]. We dont usually use could to talk about single events that happened in the past. could've contraction: colloquial, abbreviation (could have) potere v : I could've been someone, you know. Can expresses strong possibility: The word in the example sentence does not match the entry word. 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. We use can to make general statements about what is possible: It can be very cold here in winter. He could play football well when he was a kid. It will be somewhere tropical. How many can you get right? 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! Dont use to after should, could, and would: You shouldnt to smoke. Not: I could buy a wonderful bag to match my shoes. For a related comparison, check out our guide to, The coin can land on heads or tails. Please visit using a browser with javascript enabled. These words are used to talk about ability, awareness, and possibility. Could: form Affirmative (+) form Could comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb): We could have lunch early. You shouldnt smoke. Sometimes the difference between would and could isnt so clear. 2. a used to say that something is possible. 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 It just means that you had the ability to do it in 10 minutes. Sentences with the word could An old-fashioned rule we can no longer put up with. In my prime, I could bench press 250 pounds. Also, this page requires javascript. His recovery could take months. I am certain that it is blue. If you ever have trouble deciding on would or could, remember where they come from. Could: form Affirmative (+) form Could comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb): We could have lunch early. SMART Vocabulary: palavras e frases relacionadas Gramtica Can, could or may: typical errors Conflicting, positive or strongly held? A firework couldnt have done all that damage. Couldnt and couldnt have + -ed form express strong possibility: She must have made a mistake. Now it takes me 20 minutes! (= Maybe they will come by car.) We use could to show that something is possible, but not certain: They could come by car. 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 For example, You would take Broadway. As you can see, the choice is gone from the sentence, so it is no longer a suggestion. Maybe John could even contact local TV stations., Note: In this case, would is often shortened tod. Dont let your confusion of "would" vs. "could" lead to an embarrassing grammar mistake. Would is also a verb with many senses. (= Maybe they are at home.) They both have many uses, which makes them confusing for many beginning writers and English language learners. 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. For more on condition sentences, see here. They might just have you screaming in joy! This way, you will be able to see them in their proper context. We use can: We dont usually use could to talk about single events that happened in the past. 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 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. 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.