could Definition
- 1used to indicate past ability or possibility
- 2used to make a polite request or offer
Using could: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "could" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
When I was younger, I could run a mile in under six minutes.
Example
I could help you with that if you'd like.
Example
Could you please pass me the salt?
Example
I was wondering if you could lend me some money.
could Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with could
Example
If I had left earlier, I could have caught the train.
Example
I could do with a cup of coffee right now.
Example
If she keeps working hard, she could well become the manager someday.
Summary: could in Brief
The modal verb 'could' [kʊd] has two main uses. Firstly, it can indicate past ability or possibility, such as 'When I was younger, I could run a mile in under six minutes.' Secondly, it can be used to make a polite request or offer, like 'Could you please pass me the salt?' 'Could' also appears in phrases like 'could have,' indicating something was possible in the past but did not happen.