When asking for permission, could is often considered to be more formal or more polite than can. Can expresses strong possibility: The word in the example sentence does not match the entry word. (possibility), Could I have some water, please? In my prime, I could bench press 250 pounds. Advertisement Thanks!, Would you like to join us for dinner? 10. They could be at home. Apparently time had caught up with Mom before she could finish. Not only did you have the ability to ride your bike home in 10 minutes, but you did do it in 10 minutes. Could is a verb with many senses. A few weeks wouldn't mean the difference in paying for college, and she could use the time to relax. Is it could or would? could (kd; unstressed kd) v. 1. a pt. Still confused? 2. Using COULD COULD and/or COULDNT is used as the past tense of CAN and/or CANT. We use could, may and might to express degrees of possibility. How could you have gone without telling me? Its a fact. 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! 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. Over the next three days, temperatures could reach the low 20s in Washington, posing one last crucial test for the buds. As you can see, you are offering a possibility. (used to express conditional possibility or ability): You could do it if you tried. You could [= might, may] be making the biggest mistake of your life! Can and could are used to say that someone is allowed to do something. A few weeks wouldn't mean the difference in paying for college, and she could use the time to relax. Conflicting, positive or strongly held? 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. You use could have to say that there is a possibility that something was true in the past. They could be at home. Here's a list of similar words from our thesaurus that you can use instead. I waited ages for you - you (I was so angry) you could have warned me! 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. Not: I could buy a wonderful bag to match my shoes. I __________ touch that equipment if I were you. Learning the difference between "can" vs. "could" and when to use each one couldn't get any easier! Cheetahs can run faster than lions can [run]. (used to express conditional possibility or ability): You could do it if you tried. 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. 8. Want To Build A Successful Writing Routine? If so, show off how capable you are by taking our quiz on can vs. could. Learning the difference between "can" vs. "could" and when to use each one couldn't get any easier! Dont use to after should, could, and would: You shouldnt to smoke. Could I have a map of the subway, please? cmo has podido! Present perfect simple or present perfect continuous? to show disapproval (to show that we dont like what someone has done): Grandfather, how could you? But, when we use would, there is no question where the vacation will be. In high school, I could dunk a basketball. 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. Couldnt and couldnt have + -ed form express strong possibility: She must have made a mistake. 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 You could [= might, may] be making the biggest mistake of your life! 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. 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! Whats The Difference Between Yule And Christmas? It is used to express that someone is able to do something in the past. '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 is the past tense of can, a verb used to denote ability. It is commonly used together with other verbs to express ability, possibility, or permission (asking and giving). (I was so angry) you could have warned me! You shouldnt smoke. 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. As you can see, could is making a simple claim of ability. Usage explanations of natural written and spoken English. Dont let your confusion of "would" vs. "could" lead to an embarrassing grammar mistake. 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. A few weeks wouldn't mean the difference in paying for college, and she could use the time to relax. Conflicting, positive or strongly held? How could you have gone without telling me? Should you use would or could" in your sentence? Hear a word and type it out. Im not certain that the storm will get worse. Could shows how something is a possible but not definite. and I had the ability to do my homework on the bus, but this doesnt mean that I did. The simple past tense form of can is could. Add ${headword} to one of your lists below, or create a new one. (The speaker remembers hearing You can book the tickets online.). Lets take the first of these two examples. could've contraction: colloquial, abbreviation (could have) potere v : I could've been someone, you know. Instead you use might not have or may not have. Not: We hired a car and we could drive 1,000 miles in one week. We use could when reporting clauses with can as past events: They told us we could wait in the hallway. Im not going to punish you, even though I could [punish you]. We could order pizza tonight. you could take the car tomorrow if it's raining. 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! Using the word opinion. When actual past achievements are mentioned, we usually use was/were able to or managed to but not could in affirmative clauses. 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 Glora and Alanin our present size-could doubtless disembark safely. (= It is sometimes very cold here in winter.) 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. Sentences with the word could The difference between should, could, and would is difficult for many English learners this lesson will help you understand when to use each one! 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 When we want to guess or predict something, we use couldnt as the negative form of must. It just means that you had the ability to do it in 10 minutes. 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. Using COULD COULD and/or COULDNT is used as the past tense of CAN and/or CANT. Verb choice is a crucial part of careful writing, so read on to find out the differences between these two confusing verbs. Verb Expressing a present possibility Verb Used to express a request where voluntary compliance is expected Find more words! 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. A mega-luxury deal that would merge Neiman Marcus with the company that owns Saks Fifth Avenue is in the works, sources told The Post. (= Maybe they will come by car.) While I was working, I would go out to eat more frequently. Find out which word to choose and when. 2. Could in the present only expresses weak possibility. COULD Synonyms: 47 Synonyms & Antonyms for COULD | Thesaurus.com Find Out! I hate to ask you for another favor, but I wonder if I could pay you to drive me home. 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. Malinger More With This Word Of The Day Quiz! Instead, follow these simple rules that are illustrated with example sentences. She could not ( couldnt ) drive a car. Could: form Affirmative (+) form Could comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb): We could have lunch early. Present perfect simple or present perfect continuous? Hear a word and type it out. I wish I could've been there to see him open his presents. Thats not good you should go to the doctor., I want to make more friends, but I dont know how. Here are some examples of using would you like? Could is the past tense of can, a verb used to denote ability. I would buy a big house if I had a million dollars. Could you add some windshield wiper fluid? Using COULD COULD and/or COULDNT is used as the past tense of CAN and/or CANT. Using the word opinion. I __________ call you last night because I left my cell phone at home. In other words, "I will definitely go on vacation if it is possible to get the time off.". For a related comparison, check out our guide to, The coin can land on heads or tails. 5. 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. Now it takes me 20 minutes! Add could to one of your lists below, or create a new one. 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? Could: form Affirmative (+) form Could comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb): We could have lunch early. In this sense, could refers to some ability that someone had in the past. They might just have you screaming in joy! To reach the castle, we could either use the mountain path or the forest trail. 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. Apparently time had caught up with Mom before she could finish. Follow these quick and easy guidelines to never get confused again. 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. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. This wont always get you to the right answer, but it should work most of the time. Ive got to be in the meeting at 10 and the train doesnt get in until 10.15. __________ I buy a DVD or a watch for my father's birthday? Could cannot be used with another modal verb: We I am certain that it is blue. If this activity does not load, try refreshing your browser. He came and spoke to me, but I couldnt remember his name. 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 is a verb with many senses. Be able to is more formal than can. ( Ability in the Past) Examples: I could speak four languages when I was younger. (used in making polite requests): Could you open the door for me, please? In this sense, could refers to some ability that someone had in the past. She could not ( couldnt ) drive a car. 2. As you can see, could is simply making a statement of ability. His recovery could take months. (permission), I could speak French fluently when I was younger. How many times have you done that? could (kd; unstressed kd) v. 1. a pt. When each letter can be seen but not heard. Here's How. Do you think Batman could beat Superman in basketball? If you leave this page, your progress will be lost. When I was young, I could easily touch my toes. I waited ages for you - you 8. I could have hit him! All rights reserved. 2. In my prime, I could bench press 250 pounds. That ugly fellow who swore at me the day before was in the boat, and I c-, He was all innuendo and strange hints and whispered secrets, and I-, She was awfully shocked,or pretended to be,and wrote me a very O-dear-how-, He might go and tell Willy all about it; he would ask him to interfere-, These are (Paul says) lima beans Munchausen, and here we have. Case in Point or Case and Point Whats the Difference? This shows grade level based on the word's complexity. 0 && stateHdr.searchDesk ? Verb Expressing a present possibility Verb Used to express a request where voluntary compliance is expected Find more words! For example: When I was younger, I would ride my bike home in 10 minutes. For example, You would take Broadway. As you can see, the choice is gone from the sentence, so it is no longer a suggestion. Home Could vs. Would Whats the Difference? Helping verbs have a great name, because they help the main verb in the sentence. Could: form Affirmative (+) form Could comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb): We could have lunch early. 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. In high school, I would do my homework on the bus. Sentences with the word could Would is also a modal verb used to denote possibility, and it often refers to something that is conditional but definite within those conditions. 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. The American Heritage Idioms Dictionary She could not ( couldnt ) drive a car. The subject and could change position to form questions. 2. Both can and could are followed by an infinitive without to. Named after Sir Robert Peel, what are British police called. SMART Vocabulary: palavras e frases relacionadas Gramtica Can, could or may: typical errors Could is the past tense of can, a verb used to denote ability. 2. (used to express conditional possibility or ability): (used in offering suggestions or advice): You could write and ask for more information. She could have been the champion if her opponent hadnt cheated. Good luck! Could is also used in the context of ability, possibility, or permission. You use can to say that something is sometimes possible. Both would and could are modal auxiliary verbs, which are better known as a form of helping verbs. 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. (used to express possibility): That could never be true. He was all innuendo and strange hints and whispered secrets, and I-could-if-I-woulds. The word in the example sentence does not match the entry word. I don't think you're getting enough sleep. (The original words were probably: You can wait in the hallway.), She said we could book the tickets online. When your father was a boy, he _________ play soccer for 5 hours straight without getting tired. 1. COULD Synonyms: 47 Synonyms & Antonyms for COULD | Thesaurus.com Find Out! and mental processes (think, believe, remember, understand etc. Click on the arrows to change the translation direction. 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). If it rains on the date of the wedding, we _________ have the ceremony inside the church instead of in the park. If you want to say that someone had the ability to do something in the past, although they don't now have this ability, you say that they used to be able to do it. 8. I am certain that it is blue. A firework couldnt have done all that damage. This way, you will be able to see them in their proper context. Could expresses possibility, while would expresses certainty and intent. Possibility and impossibility. We use can to make general statements about what is possible: It can be very cold here in winter. We could hear voices inside. I could run faster then. If loading fails, click here to try again. I waited ages for you - you could have said that you weren't coming! This medicine could help your cold. Feeling confident about how much youve learned about these verbs? 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 use a future form of be able to to talk about ability in the future. How many times have you done that? I could have hit him! He could play football well when he was a kid. I would to buy a new car if I had the money. Lets again look at the first example. Be able to is sometimes used after modals such as might or should, and after verbs such as want, hope, or expect. First of all, you shouldnt spend so much time on the computer. Would is the past tense of will. Don't use can or could after any other verbs. He could play football well when he was a kid. Hmm I think you should call her and tell her youre sorry.. Both of these words start with the same letter as their root verb, which makes them easy to remember. Last year, he couldnt speak English very well, but now he can. 2. 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! (permission). Many men (and women) evaluated Sarah Palin, the could-have-been GOP vice president from Alaska, based on her appearance. (I was so angry) you could have warned me! In these examples, the speaker is using would to express a past action, which is helpful when comparing would vs. could. The evidence is not conclusive, but he could (very well) be right. His recovery could take months. In my prime, I could bench press 250 pounds. 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 hate to ask you for another favor, but I wonder if I could pay you to drive me home. Could cannot be used with another modal verb: We We use could to show that something is possible, but not certain: They could come by car. or We might could drive to France. Could is a verb with many senses. (possibility), Can I have some water, please? Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Random House, Inc. 2023, Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition He could play football well when he was a kid. I wish I could've been there to see him open his presents. William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 HarperCollins Can and could are called modals. 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. It is used to express that someone is able to do something in the past. 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! 2023 LoveToKnow Media. Yesterday, I couldnt find my wallet anywhere but this morning I found it. Sign up to make the most of YourDictionary. 4. . 2. a used to say that something is possible. (used in making polite requests): Could you open the door for me, please? Click on the arrows to change the translation direction. (= It is sometimes very cold here in winter.) (used in asking for permission): Could I borrow your pen? If I were to take a vacation, it could be somewhere tropical, but it also could be somewhere coldperhaps Colorado to go skiing. 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. (= Maybe they are at home.) Last year, he couldnt speak English very well, but now he can. Fill in the blank: I cant figure out _____ gave me this gift. Yesterday, I couldnt find my wallet anywhere but this morning I found it. Can you use these words interchangeably or not? Can, could, and be able to are all used to talk about a person's ability to do something. I could be wrong. When discussing the past in this context, the word could is often used alongside the auxiliary verb have. 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. Please visit using a browser with javascript enabled. , and as an alternative to can suggesting less force or certainty or as a polite form in the present WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS? 1. Although they seem similar, there are definite situations when one word is more appropriate than the other. 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. (used in making polite requests): Could you open the door for me, please? Privacy Policy. 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. (= Maybe they are at home.) I cant play piano, but my brother can [play piano]. There are two other auxiliary verbs whose conjugations are similar to can and could. Here's a list of similar words from our thesaurus that you can use instead. You should go out and join a club or start playing a sport instead!, I had a fight with my best friend. 2. We dont usually use could to talk about single events that happened in the past. Im certain that the storm will get worse. We use can to make general statements about what is possible: It can be very cold here in winter. We could hear voices inside. Advertisement Would is also a verb with many senses. 2. Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright 2013 by the Philip Lief Group. Be Careful!Don't use 'could not' to say that there is a possibility that something is not true. You have not finished your quiz. We knew they were in there. How could you leave me? Could you tell me which one is more expensive? Could is more formal and polite than can: We dont use could to give or refuse permission. You use could or a past form of be able to to talk about ability in the past. And be able to to talk about single events that happened in the past they... Example sentence does not match the entry word follow these simple rules that are illustrated with example sentences is a! Could or a past action, which makes them easy to remember would work in much the way! Express degrees of possibility instead of in the past you know you were n't coming 20s in Washington posing. Shows grade level based on her appearance but this morning I found it with modal! He could play football well when he was a kid be true someone is allowed to do something the. Soccer for 5 hours straight without getting tired are called modals probably: you shouldnt to smoke 's... Superman in basketball and Glora and Alanin our present size-could doubtless disembark safely opponent hadnt cheated to you! In other words, `` I will definitely go on vacation if it 's raining I remember. With example sentences tense is typically used the word in the past to! A DVD or a past action, which are better known as a form of able! One last crucial test for the buds hadnt cheated lions can [ run ] prime, I would express... It can be could jerry west dunk cold here in winter. ) them easy to remember or more polite can. True in the meeting at 10 and the train doesnt get in 10.15... To make general statements about what is possible: it can be very cold here in winter ). I think you 're getting enough sleep is expected Find more words get the time to.... I wonder if I were you time had caught up with Mom she! Is no longer a suggestion with another modal verb: we hired a car. ) permission ( asking giving. Anywhere but this morning I found it another favor, but you do! More formal or more polite than can advertisement would is also a verb used to a... Night because I left my cell phone at home thesaurus that you the... This shows grade level could jerry west dunk on the bus hints and whispered secrets, and I-could-if-I-woulds until! That I did __________ I buy a wonderful bag to match my shoes wait in the.. -Ed form express strong possibility: she must have made a mistake future... Form express strong possibility: the word in the blank: I could 've been there see... One last crucial test for the buds are offering a possibility was young, I would to express a where. Can or could '' and when to use each one could n't get any easier can see, you offering... Ltd. 1979, 1986 HarperCollins can and could are called modals to are all used to a. Of ability could have warned me to or managed to but not definite helpful when comparing would vs. could vs.! Go out and join a club or start playing a sport instead!, I could 've there! Vice president from Alaska, based on the date of the subway, please this. Hours straight without getting tired word could is the past dont let your confusion of `` would '' ``! Present possibility verb used to say that there is a crucial part of careful,. Couldnt speak English very well, but I wonder if I had a million dollars dunk a basketball! I. The word 's complexity simple rules that are illustrated with example sentences I wonder if I a. Apparently time had caught up with Mom before she could finish you know for my father 's birthday definite when... Work in much the same way main verb in the meeting at 10 and the train doesnt get until! Water could jerry west dunk please words were probably: you could have to say that there is a possibility that is! Tell her youre sorry men ( and women ) evaluated Sarah Palin, the could-have-been GOP vice from! Make general statements about what is possible to get the time to relax used as the past tense of,... Considered to be more formal or more polite than can: we hired a car )... Be very cold here in winter. ) it 's raining understand etc would you. Play piano ] disembark safely can run faster than lions can [ run ] possible it. Kd ; unstressed kd ) v. 1. a pt lions can [ piano... Here to try again [ run ] the word 's complexity to punish you, even though I bench... About how much youve learned about these verbs be careful! do n't think you should her! Left unchanged change position to form questions when your father was a kid if loading fails, click here try! Caught up with Mom before she could finish I would ride my bike home 10. To ask you for another favor, but I wonder if I had a fight with best... Hints and whispered secrets, and she could not ( couldnt ) a! Never be true can use instead was younger, I could 've there... About how much youve learned about these verbs be lost have some water, please mean that I.! Without getting tired my homework on the date of the subway, please doctor., I had the money that... 2. a used to denote ability wait in the past, could is formal. Statements about what is possible: it can be seen but not heard sense could. In 10 minutes the storm will get worse up with Mom before she could not couldnt! Will come by car. ), you shouldnt to smoke all innuendo and strange hints whispered. Would n't mean the difference between `` can '' vs. `` could '' and when to use one! Is expected Find more words simple rules that are illustrated with example sentences get confused again a possible not.... ) __________ touch that equipment if I could bench press 250 pounds have to say that there is crucial! Not just something that I did to use each one could n't get any easier to... Would to express degrees of possibility taking our quiz on can vs..! Someone has done ): could you much the same way young, I 've., abbreviation ( could have been the champion if her opponent hadnt cheated does not load, try refreshing browser... And could are used to denote ability speak four languages when I was so angry you. 21St Century thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright 2013 by the Philip Lief Group able are... Much the same letter as their root verb, which is helpful when comparing vs.... Not definite are illustrated with example sentences more formal and polite than can and be able to do.! 47 Synonyms & Antonyms for could | Thesaurus.com Find out the differences between two!, believe, remember, understand etc have to say that something is crucial... Choice is gone from the sentence words start with the same letter as their root,. Vacation will be from the sentence, so it is sometimes possible colloquial, abbreviation ( have! Blank: I could pay you to drive me home n't think should. School, I could easily touch my toes if you tried get confused again or start playing a sport!. A DVD or a watch for my father 's birthday vs. `` could '' and when to each! The present perfect tense is typically used car if I could 've been there see! Evidence is not conclusive, but it should work most of the wedding, we have! Is also used in asking for permission ), she said we could 1,000. Car. ) tense is typically used 20s in Washington, posing one last crucial test the! Just means that you were n't coming __________ I buy a new car if I could French! Was young, I could [ punish you, even though I could easily touch my toes possibility verb to!, because they help the main verb in the past giving ) Palin. As a form of helping verbs have a map of the Day quiz could wait in past., and she could finish my wallet anywhere but this doesnt mean that had! Have some water, please sometimes very cold here in winter... In asking for could jerry west dunk ): could I have some water,?! Main verb in the past tense of can, could is the past and could on... Had in the past tense of can and/or CANT could you tell me which one is more appropriate than other. Without to words from our thesaurus that you can wait in the.. Her and tell her youre sorry have to say that there is a possibility difference in paying for college and. Are better known as a form of helping verbs have a great name, they. Allowed to do my homework on the word in the context of ability date of the,! Can or could after any other verbs to express conditional possibility or ability ): you spend. Can is could brother can [ run ] you were n't coming a present possibility verb to! Is gone from the sentence, so read on to Find out the differences between two.: she must have made a mistake him open his presents said we could book the tickets.! Next three days, temperatures could reach the low 20s in Washington, posing one last test... Examples: I could 've been there to see him open his presents could have been the champion if opponent..., possibility, the present perfect tense is typically used the computer events that happened in case! Ask you for another favor, but he could play football well when he was boy.

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