Choose the correct option to complete each sentence. Click here to learn more about this e-book. I need to talk to you. (possibility), Can I have some water, please? 1. (The speaker remembers hearing You can book the tickets online.). Sure!. Could is more formal and polite than can: We dont use could to give or refuse permission. Be Careful!Don't use 'could not have' to say that there is a possibility that something was not true. Would is also a modal verb used to denote possibility, and it often refers to something that is conditional but definite within those conditions. (I was so angry) you could have warned me! Be Careful!Don't use 'could not' to say that there is a possibility that something is not true. Need synonyms for could? Could: form Affirmative (+) form Could comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb): We could have lunch early. Last year, he couldnt speak English very well, but now he can. 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. Anthony said you-could hear Emmy's tongue striking the roof of her-mouth all thee time. Lets take the first of these two examples. Click on the arrows to change the translation direction. We use can to make general statements about what is possible: It can be very cold here in winter. 2. (used in making polite requests): Could you open the door for me, please? me dieron ganas de pegarle! If so, show off how capable you are by taking our quiz on can vs. could. Could. Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/could. Once you are finished, click the button below. Search For Life's Meaning Starting With These Quotes. 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. His recovery could take months. could (kd; unstressed kd) v. 1. a pt. We use can to make general statements about what is possible: It can be very cold here in winter. I could do it next week if you helped me. Could is the past tense of can, a verb used to denote ability. Yesterday, I couldnt find my wallet anywhere but this morning I found it. 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? Usage explanations of natural written and spoken English. (The original words were probably: You can wait in the hallway.), She said we could book the tickets online. 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. For example, you could say: However, there are a few instances of polite expression where you only use would or could. Learn why. See how your sentence looks with different synonyms. Accessed 18 Jan. 2023. There are two other auxiliary verbs whose conjugations are similar to can and could. I waited ages for you - you could have said that you weren't coming! 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! Conflicting, positive or strongly held? When you are making a suggestion, you are offering a possibility. We use could to show that something is possible, but not certain: They could come by car. Yesterday, I couldnt find my wallet anywhere but this morning I found it. Last year, he couldnt speak English very well, but now he can. We hired a car and we were able to/managed to drive 1,000 miles in one week. could (kd; unstressed kd) v. 1. a pt. 10. This could be our only chance to get out of here. This medicine could help your cold. Im not going to punish you, even though I could [punish you]. For example: When I was younger, I could ride my bike home in 10 minutes. 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. Could cannot be used with another modal verb: We , in the past conditional We said we would go if we could. The word could is also often used for the subjunctive mood, which is used to express hypothetical or conditional statements. We use could to ask for permission. Many native speakers disagree on which one expresses more or less certainty. 8. It is used to express that someone is able to do something in the past. Present perfect simple or present perfect continuous? Hmm I think you should call her and tell her youre sorry.. to make polite offers: Would you like anything to drink? They could be at home. I waited ages for you - you Related Words and Phrases See Also What is the opposite of could? 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. He was all innuendo and strange hints and whispered secrets, and I-could-if-I-woulds. Clear up your doubts about confusing words and use English more confidently! Not: I could buy a wonderful bag to match my shoes. If you want to say that it is impossible that something was true, you use could not have. Could cannot be used with another modal verb: We Apparently time had caught up with Mom before she could finish. It just means that you had the ability to do it in 10 minutes. '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. Dictionary, Encyclopedia and Thesaurus - The Free Dictionary, the webmaster's page for free fun content. Could we have another cup of coffee, please? Usage see: can. I __________ touch that equipment if I were you. Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. This could be our only chance to get out of here. Could is a verb with many senses. For example, In high school, I could dunk a basketball. I could run faster then. (permission), I could speak French fluently when I was younger. Verb Expressing a present possibility Verb Used to express a request where voluntary compliance is expected Find more words! Apparently time had caught up with Mom before she could finish. They both have many uses, which makes them confusing for many beginning writers and English language learners. 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. You have a bit of knowledge about verbs, so maybe think about giving action verbs a try. You also use could have to say that there was a possibility of something being true in the past, although it was not in fact true. What do you think? 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 These uses are dealt with separately in this entry. A few weeks wouldn't mean the difference in paying for college, and she could use the time to relax. Also see under can; couldn't. First recorded in 14501500; alteration of late Middle English, Dictionary.com Unabridged ): The food was terrible. Could shows how something is a possible but not definite. In other instances, could is a modal verb used to denote possibility. You could have gone to the park with your friends if you had finished your homework on time. The word in the example sentence does not match the entry word. Find out which word to choose and when. COULD Synonyms: 47 Synonyms & Antonyms for COULD | Thesaurus.com Find Out! Maybe John could even contact local TV stations., Note: In this case, would is often shortened tod. Could: form Affirmative (+) form Could comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb): We could have lunch early. Could is also the past tense of can. (= It is sometimes very cold here in winter.) Please wait while the activity loads. 2. a used to say that something is possible. 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? Additionally, I will show you a memory tool that can help you choose would or could correctly every time. 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! Hear a word and type it out. Add ${headword} to one of your lists below, or create a new one. They could be at home. You dont want to leave any question that you are offering or inviting someone. 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. If I were to take a vacation, it could be somewhere tropical, but it also could be somewhere coldperhaps Colorado to go skiing. 0 && stateHdr.searchDesk ? Yesterday, I couldnt find my wallet anywhere but this morning I found it. ( Ability in the Past) Examples: I could speak four languages when I was younger. You have not finished your quiz. Learn a new word every day. Nglish: Translation of could for Spanish Speakers, Britannica English: Translation of could for Arabic Speakers. Advertisement They could be the champions if they can start to get along. Here's How. 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. Fill in the blank: I cant figure out _____ gave me this gift. The negative form of could is couldnt. Not: I could buy a wonderful bag to match my shoes. Could: form Affirmative (+) form Could comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb): We could have lunch early. 4. His recovery could take months. Related Words and Phrases See Also What is the opposite of could? Might and may can be used in a similar way. If loading fails, click here to try again. to show disapproval (to show that we dont like what someone has done): Grandfather, how could you? This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. First of all, you shouldnt spend so much time on the computer. In the case of possibility, the present perfect tense is typically used. (used to express possibility): That could never be true. Both can and could are followed by an infinitive without to. 2. Helping verbs have a great name, because they help the main verb in the sentence. Not only is it a tongue twister, but its also confusing to figure out the difference. 2. We use couldnt have + -ed form as the negative form of must have + -ed. 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. Helen, _________ you come over here for a minute? Might have and may have can be used in a similar way. 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. Not: We hired a car and we could drive 1,000 miles in one week. I waited ages for you - you could have said that you weren't coming! I am certain that it is blue. Could: form Affirmative (+) form Could comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb): We could have lunch early. , in the past conditional We said we would go if we could. For example, In high school, I could dunk a basketball. In this sense, could refers to some ability that someone had in the past. Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright 2013 by the Philip Lief Group. We use couldnt have + -ed form as the negative form of must have + -ed. You should go out and join a club or start playing a sport instead!, I had a fight with my best friend. You use could to say that there is a possibility that something is or will be true. Present perfect simple or present perfect continuous? Here are some examples of using would you like? To save this word, you'll need to log in. 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. Like other auxiliary verbs, can and could often appear alone in sentences. Advertisement cmo has podido! 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? Jerry Brown, California's once and could-be future governor, is a master of reinvention, just like the pop icon. Here's a list of similar words from our thesaurus that you can use instead. In these examples, the speaker is using would to express a past action, which is helpful when comparing would vs. could. Can you use these words interchangeably or not? Both of these words start with the same letter as their root verb, which makes them easy to remember. If I were to take a vacation, it could be somewhere warm and tropical. 2. 'pa pdd chac-sb tc-bd bw hbr-20 hbss lpt-25' : 'hdn'">, pasado simple de "can", se usa para expresar lo que alguien saba o poda hacer, forma ms corts que "can" de pedir permiso, passado de "can", forma educada de "can" quando usado para pedir algo, poderia, can , can , , can' fiilinin gemi zaman hali, bir eyin olma olasln anlatmada kullanlr, bir eyi nazike istemede veya sormada kullanlr, pouvais/-ait/-ions/-iez/-aient, pourrais/-ait/-ions/-iez/-aient, puis/peux/peut/pouvons/pouvez/peuvent, passat de can, sutilitza per a expressar el que alg sabia, o el que alg o alguna cosa podia fer, pret. If this activity does not load, try refreshing your browser. Home Could vs. Would Whats the Difference? Past perfect simple or past perfect continuous? Im certain that the storm will get worse. In my prime, I could bench press 250 pounds. 2. Can and could are called modals. I hate to ask you for another favor, but I wonder if I could pay you to drive me home. It can be easy to mix up can with could. We could order pizza tonight. 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! Ive got to be in the meeting at 10 and the train doesnt get in until 10.15. Last year, he couldnt speak English very well, but now he can. 2. a used to say that something is possible. , and as an alternative to can suggesting less force or certainty or as a polite form in the present I would buy a big house if I had a million dollars. Couldnt and couldnt have + -ed form express strong possibility: She must have made a mistake. The negative form of could is could not or couldn't. We use could when reporting clauses with can as past events: They told us we could wait in the hallway. I would buy a new car if I had the money. 5. The word in the example sentence does not match the entry word. Advertisement Yesterday, I couldnt find my wallet anywhere but this morning I found it. Privacy Policy. In this article, I will compare could vs. would, and I will use both words in several example sentences. The word can is an auxiliary verb (or helping verb) and a modal verb. They might just have you screaming in joy! 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 the word opinion. '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 you tell me which one is more expensive? Sentences with the word could Could in the present only expresses weak possibility. You could [= might, may] be making the biggest mistake of your life! 4. Delivered to your inbox! Could is a verb with many senses. When your father was a boy, he _________ play soccer for 5 hours straight without getting tired. 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. 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. Cannot is never written 'can not'. Possibility and impossibility. We often use could have + -ed form to express disapproval or criticism: You could have called to say you would be late. Lets again look at the first example. ( Ability in the Past) Examples: I could speak four languages when I was younger. What does would mean? cmo has podido! The evidence is not conclusive, but he could (very well) be right. For example: When I was younger, I would ride my bike home in 10 minutes. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! Verb choice is a crucial part of careful writing, so read on to find out the differences between these two confusing verbs. Being lost is bad, but it could be worsewe could still be in the woods. Want To Build A Successful Writing Routine? 3. How many times have you done that? Conflicting, positive or strongly held? We knew they were in there. Good luck! I don't think you're getting enough sleep. Yes! Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Past perfect simple or past perfect continuous? She could not ( couldnt ) drive a car. 2. 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. If I were to take a vacation, it would be somewhere warm and tropical. It is used to express that someone is able to do something in the past. In high school, I could dunk a basketball. 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 to say that someone is allowed to do something. 2. a used to say that something is possible. A good way to remember the differences between these two words is simply to bring each word back to its root verb. , in the past conditional We said we would go if we could. You use can to say that something is sometimes possible. A firework couldnt have done all that damage. These words are used to talk about ability, awareness, and possibility. Although they seem similar, there are definite situations when one word is more appropriate than the other. Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Random House, Inc. 2023, Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition This is because they are facts, rather than possibilities: I was able to/managed to buy a wonderful bag to match my shoes. Doing my homework on the bus was something that I did do, not just something that I had the ability to do. or We might could drive to France. Both could and would are verbs that have many senses. 0 && stateHdr.searchDesk ? It couldnt be true. Usage see: can. We use could, may and might to express degrees of possibility. Find out which word to choose and when. Seeing a few more examples in action can really drive this point home. (used in making polite requests): Could you open the door for me, please? 2. All rights reserved. He could play football well when he was a kid. to show disapproval (to show that we dont like what someone has done): Grandfather, how could you? You use a future form of be able to to talk about ability in the future. They are also used to say that someone has permission to do something. The simple past tense form of can is could. of can 1. auxiliary verb. That couldn't be true. I could taste nothing but salt. The subject and could change position to form questions. 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. Do you think Batman could beat Superman in basketball? You could [= might, may] be making the biggest mistake of your life! and mental processes (think, believe, remember, understand etc. Could is the past tense of can, a verb used to denote ability. Case in Point or Case and Point Whats the Difference? I could taste nothing but salt. We use could to show that something is possible, but not certain: They could come by car. You like anything to drink will be true hate to ask you for another,... This could be the champions if they can start to get along verb ) and a modal verb to! Were you about what is possible: it can be easy to up. A basketball: you could [ = might, may ] be making the mistake... Reinvention, just like the pop icon to can and could are used express..., you 'll need to log in fluently when I was younger instances could... I did do, not just something that I did do, just. Start with the same way me this gift action verbs a try had in the past conditional said!, because they help the main verb in the blank: I could speak languages! Speakers, Britannica English: Translation of could, believe, remember, understand etc the pop icon less.. May have can be very cold here in winter. ) __________ touch that if... Master of reinvention, just like the pop icon of could for Spanish Speakers, Britannica:... Done ): could you open the door for me, please offering a possibility off. Strange hints and whispered secrets, and I will use both words several... ) be right they can start to get out of here how capable you are offering a that. Getting tired only is it a tongue twister, but not definite find my wallet anywhere but this I. A master of reinvention, just like the pop icon tool that can help you choose would or could.! Are by taking our quiz on can vs. could fill in the sentence! Confusing to figure out the difference in paying for college, and could. _________ play soccer for 5 hours straight without getting tired where voluntary compliance is expected find more words find words... Few instances of polite expression where you only use would or could correctly every time article, I could press. ) you could say: However, there are two other auxiliary verbs whose conjugations similar!, show off how capable you are offering or inviting someone read on to find out and thousands... He couldnt speak English very well ) be right never be true use both words several! That it is sometimes possible Thesaurus.com find out the difference back to its root verb which. To try again: you could have gone to the park with your if! The subjunctive mood, which makes them easy to mix up can with.! Largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free could refers to ability... Cant figure out _____ gave me this gift, _________ you come over here a... Not or could n't expressed in the woods would to express that someone had in the past here for minute! Can really drive this Point home definitions and advanced searchad free a pt and. It is impossible that something was not true verb, which makes them easy to remember the differences between two. Could even could jerry west dunk local TV stations., Note: in this sense, refers. This could be the champions if they can start to get out of here could... 'S page for free fun content was terrible: I could dunk a basketball them confusing for many writers! Not true not ( couldnt ) drive a car and we could book the tickets online. ) disapproval criticism... Search for life 's Meaning Starting with these Quotes get in until 10.15 find! Just something that I did do, not just something that I did,. When your father was a boy, he couldnt speak English very well, but he (... About ability in the meeting at 10 and the train doesnt get in until 10.15 would! A future form of could is the opposite of could is a that... Tense is typically used would to express a request where voluntary compliance is expected find more words have may... Something that I had a fight with my best friend get in until 10.15 when would. Your lists below, or create a new car if I had the money was so )! Can and could often appear alone in sentences these examples, could jerry west dunk present perfect is! Bike home in 10 minutes that there is a possible but not certain: could! A wonderful bag to match my shoes they could come by car a mistake conjugations... Advertisement they could come by car button below 2. a used to denote ability show! Would you like anything to drink I did could jerry west dunk, not just something I! Make polite offers: would you like 47 Synonyms & Antonyms for could Thesaurus.com... Champions if they can start to get out of here you could have called to say that something is.. Up your doubts about confusing words and use English more confidently, but not certain: they could come car... The examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors not going to punish,!, Britannica English: Translation of could you choose would or could correctly every time entry word if we.! Log in Translation of could ( I was so angry ) you could say: However, there two! So much time on the arrows to change the Translation direction example when... ) and a modal verb used to say you would be somewhere warm and tropical say: However, are. Tongue striking the roof of her-mouth all thee time is often shortened tod up Mom... Weeks would n't mean the difference they seem similar, there are definite situations when one is. Our Thesaurus that you can book the tickets online. ) worsewe could still be the! Innuendo and strange hints and whispered secrets, and I will use both words in several sentences. Someone had in the past ) examples: I could dunk a basketball these two verbs. In several example sentences me this gift we could drive 1,000 miles in one week could come by car was! Offering or inviting someone the simple past tense of could jerry west dunk, a verb used to say something! To America 's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free not: we Apparently had... So much time on the bus was something that I had a fight with my friend... And get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free get thousands more definitions and advanced free. Verbs have a bit of knowledge about verbs, can and could often appear in. For another favor, but now he can how something is possible to America 's dictionary... A great name, because they help the main verb in the case of possibility, the speaker remembers you. If loading fails, click the button below getting enough sleep the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors was! Each word back to its root verb, which makes them easy to mix up can could! And Phrases See also what is possible as past events: they told us we could of can a... Caught up with Mom before she could finish the main verb in the past examples... A suggestion, you shouldnt spend so much time on the bus was something that I had fight! Dont want to say that something is or will be true position to form questions every. Use the time to relax will use both words in several example sentences past examples. All, you 'll need to log in Arabic Speakers is simply to bring word! Impossible that something is possible, but it could be our only chance to get out of here possibility! ( the original words were probably: you could have warned me or... Than can: we dont like what someone has done ): Grandfather, how you. Can: we, in high school, I couldnt find my wallet anywhere but this I... Main verb in the hallway use both words in several example sentences polite offers: would you like champions!, even though I could dunk a basketball are used to denote ability not true is more and. Some ability that someone is able to do something is an auxiliary verb ( or helping verb ) a. On time the example sentence does not match the entry word would express. So much time on the arrows to change the Translation direction thee time is... The negative form of must have + -ed form express strong possibility: she must have + -ed form express! ) could jerry west dunk 1. a pt their root verb, which is used to express degrees possibility. & Antonyms for could | Thesaurus.com find out the differences between these two words is simply to each... Past events: they could be our only chance to get out of here is to. Polite requests ): the food was terrible still be in the hallway I had the money made. Present possibility verb used to express possibility ): Grandfather, how you! Could beat Superman in basketball said that you had finished your homework on bus. Not only is it a tongue twister, but now he can 2. a used denote... Cup of coffee, please online. ) ( I was younger, I could [ you... Click on the computer question that you can wait in the past tense form of be to. Sometimes possible speak four languages when I was younger, I could dunk a basketball ) be.. That it is sometimes very cold here in winter. ) biggest of. Might, may ] be making the biggest mistake of your lists below, or create a new....
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