student asking question

Is "could" polite form of "can" in here? Why did he use "could"?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

We use "could" to show that something is possible, but not certain and since Joey has not decided what to do yet, he uses could. He is basically saying maybe I will sleep with her and maybe I won't. Ex: They could come by car. Ex: They could be at home.

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