could

/kʊd/

modal verb

  1. Used as the past form of can to describe ability in the past.

    A2

    followed by the base form of a verb

    • "When I was young, I could swim very well."A2
    • "She could speak three languages fluently."B1

  2. Used to say that something is possible, but not certain.

    B1

    could + base verb

    • "It could rain later."A2
    • "He could be the one who called you."B2

  3. Used to make requests, suggestions, or offers more polite or less direct.

    B1

    could you + base verb; could + base verb

    • "Could you open the window, please?"A2
    • "Could I have a glass of water?"B1
    • "We could meet at the station after work."B1

  4. Used in conditional sentences to describe what would be possible under certain circumstances.

    B1

    could + base verb; often used with if

    • "If I had more time, I could help you."B1
    • "With better planning, the project could succeed."B2

Common mistakes

  • could of→could have

    Could have is often pronounced like could of, but of is incorrect in writing.

  • He could went home.→He could go home.

    A modal verb is followed by the base form of the verb.

Collocations

could becould havecould youcould possiblycould happencould notcould have beencould have done

Word family

cancouldn't