The meaning of COULD is —used in auxiliary function in the past, in the past conditional, and as an alternative to can suggesting less force or certainty or as a polite form in the present. How …

COULD definition: 1. past simple of "can", used to talk about what someone or something was able or allowed to do…. Learn more.

We use could have to say that someone had the ability or opportunity to do something, but did not do it: She could have learned Swahili, but she didn't want to.

Definition of could modal verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

You use could to talk about a possibility, ability, or opportunity that depends on other conditions. Their hope was that a new and better East Germany could be born.

Could, can, and would can be confusing in English. Editor Kory Stamper gives an explanation of how they are used. Could, would, and can are all modal

could (kŏŏd; unstressed kəd), v. a pt. of can 1. auxiliary verb. (used to express possibility): I wonder who that could be at the door. That couldn't be true. (used to express conditional …

Jul 7, 2025 · Discover the multifaceted modal verb "could." This entry provides a comprehensive definition, traces its Old English roots, offers clear examples, and explores its diverse …

COULD definition: a simple past tense of can. See examples of could used in a sentence.

"Could" is a modal verb used to express possibility or past ability as well as to make suggestions and requests. "Could" is also commonly used in conditional sentences as the conditional form …