(You didnt call I think you should have called.). I wish I could've been there to see him open his presents. The evidence is not conclusive, but he could (very well) be right. We could hear voices inside. It was stuck. When actual past achievements are mentioned, we usually use was/were able to or managed to but not could in affirmative clauses. Im certain that the storm will get worse. Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012. It just means that you had the ability to do it in 10 minutes. Should you use would or could" in your sentence? We use can to make general statements about what is possible: It can be very cold here in winter. You could [= might, may] be making the biggest mistake of your life! We use can: We dont usually use could to talk about single events that happened in the past. Can and could are called modals. Yesterday, I couldnt find my wallet anywhere but this morning I found it. In my prime, I could bench press 250 pounds. Present perfect simple or present perfect continuous? Advertisement I waited ages for you - you could have said that you weren't coming! 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 4. When your father was a boy, he _________ play soccer for 5 hours straight without getting tired. What should I do? or We might could drive to France. you could take the car tomorrow if it's raining. Also, this page requires javascript. You'd look great! When actual past achievements are mentioned, we usually use was/were able to or managed to but not could in affirmative clauses. Could in the present only expresses weak possibility. Want To Build A Successful Writing Routine? I simply had the ability to do so. Would is also a verb with many senses. Now it takes me 20 minutes! Could: form Affirmative (+) form Could comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb): We could have lunch early. Hear a word and type it out. Could is more formal and polite than can: We dont use could to give or refuse permission. In the case of permission, could is typically only used when asking permission, not giving it. Find out which word to choose and when. Many native speakers disagree on which one expresses more or less certainty. Clear up your doubts about confusing words and use English more confidently! 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. 4. Could cannot be used with another modal verb: We Just read our guide on these commonly confused words. 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. For example: When I was younger, I could ride my bike home in 10 minutes. Possibility and impossibility. Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. 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 have to say that there is a possibility that something was true in the past. It looks dangerous. Usage see: 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 me dieron ganas de pegarle! The word could is also often used for the subjunctive mood, which is used to express hypothetical or conditional statements. While they're clearly different, their usage in a sentence isn't always as clear. 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. As you can see, could is making a simple claim of ability. (= Maybe they will come by car.) All rights reserved. (used to express conditional possibility or ability): You could do it if you tried. (used in asking for permission): Could I borrow your pen? 5. You shouldnt smoke. We dont usually use could to talk about single events that happened in the past. If I were to take a vacation, it would be somewhere warm and tropical. 10. Not: I could buy a wonderful bag to match my shoes. 2023 LoveToKnow Media. Sentences with the word could Using the word opinion. Could you come over here? Its a fact. We use could to show that something is possible, but not certain: They could come by car. (The speaker remembers hearing You can book the tickets online.). Could and would are two such verbs. This could be our only chance to get out of here. If you think about would being the past tense of will, then it completely makes sense. 5. It is used to express that someone is able to do something in the past. You could at least have called me. Verb Expressing a present possibility Verb Used to express a request where voluntary compliance is expected Find more words! Home Could vs. Would Whats the Difference? Could you add some windshield wiper fluid? Could is a verb with many senses. Could is a verb with many senses. see can (could) do with; see with half an eye, could. of can 1. auxiliary verb. Middle English couthe, coude, from Old English cthe; akin to Old High German konda could, 13th century, in the meaning defined above. , and as an alternative to can suggesting less force or certainty or as a polite form in the present Search For Life's Meaning Starting With These Quotes. 4. Case in Point or Case and Point Whats the Difference? Possibility and impossibility. If I were to take a vacation, it could be somewhere tropical, but it also could be somewhere coldperhaps Colorado to go skiing. Also see under can; couldn't. Using the word opinion. In the case of possibility, the present perfect tense is typically used. For example, In high school, I could dunk a basketball. 2. a used to say that something is possible. Additionally, I will show you a memory tool that can help you choose would or could correctly every time. In this sense, could refers to some ability that someone had in the past. I wish I could've been there to see him open his presents. The American Heritage Idioms Dictionary I could have hit him! For example, "I would love to go to Barbados.". Usage see: can. of can 1. auxiliary verb. 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? In this sense, could refers to some ability that someone had in the past. 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. When used this way, could is used to express conditional or hypothetical ability or possibility even when talking about the present or the future. 0 && stateHdr.searchDesk ? , and as an alternative to can suggesting less force or certainty or as a polite form in the present Could and would are related, but they mean different things. For example, In high school, I could dunk a basketball. What does would mean? Advertisement Choose the correct option to complete each sentence. Use COULD and COULDNT for ability in the past Could and couldnt are the past forms of can and cant: When I was younger, I could run a mile in 7 minutes. Could you tell me which one is more expensive? Its a fact. Last year, he couldnt speak English very well, but now he can. (permission), Sure, you can have some water. I could do it next week if you helped me. This way, you will be able to see them in their proper context. 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! Verb choice is a crucial part of careful writing, so read on to find out the differences between these two confusing verbs. WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS? (= It is sometimes very cold here in winter.) He came and spoke to me, but I couldnt remember his name. Not: I could buy a wonderful bag to match my shoes. Don't use can or could after any other verbs. could (kd; unstressed kd) v. 1. a pt. Yes! We use could to refer to single events that happened in the past, with verbs of the senses (smell, taste, see, hear, touch, etc.) How many times have you done that? Like other auxiliary verbs, can and could often appear alone in sentences. Now it takes me 20 minutes! , in the past conditional We said we would go if we could. In this case, they are still acting as auxiliary verbsthe main verb is omitted but still understood. 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! Now it takes me 20 minutes! (You didnt call I think you should have called.). These words are used to talk about ability, awareness, and possibility. I __________ touch that equipment if I were you. Both could and would are verbs that have many senses. Invitations should be definite. He could play football well when he was a kid. 0 && stateHdr.searchDesk ? 2. Improve your vocabulary with English Vocabulary in Use from Cambridge.Learn the words you need to communicate with confidence. We use could have + -ed form to talk about possibility in the past: They could have taken a taxi home instead of walking and getting wet. We hired a car and we were able to/managed to drive 1,000 miles in one week. He was all innuendo and strange hints and whispered secrets, and I-could-if-I-woulds. 2. Past perfect simple or past perfect continuous? The simple past tense form of can is could. 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. Lets again look at the first example. William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 HarperCollins Dont use to after should, could, and would: You shouldnt to smoke. It is used to express that someone is able to do something in the past. .css-1w804bk{font-size:16px;}See how your sentence looks with different synonyms. What do you think? Would is also a modal verb used to denote possibility, and it often refers to something that is conditional but definite within those conditions. If you want to say that someone had the ability to do something but did not in fact do it, you say that they could have done it. Copyright 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Instead, follow these simple rules that are illustrated with example sentences. This could be our only chance to get out of here. Can you use these words interchangeably or not? (= Maybe they are at home.) Conflicting, positive or strongly held? We use could to refer to single events that happened in the past, with verbs of the senses (smell, taste, see, hear, touch, etc.) There are two other auxiliary verbs whose conjugations are similar to can and could. Could I have a map of the subway, please? Only men could go to the club in those days. I waited ages for you - you 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. As you can see, could is simply making a statement of ability. In these examples, the speaker is using would to express a past action, which is helpful when comparing would vs. could. ( Ability in the Past) Examples: I could speak four languages when I was younger. Usage see: can. 4. I hate to ask you for another favor, but I wonder if I could pay you to drive me home. Lets look at examples of sentences that show how can and could are typically used. Note: These are only a handful of many aborted could-be classics. They could be the champions if they can start to get along. Past perfect simple or past perfect continuous? Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. We knew they were in there. Last year, he couldnt speak English very well, but now he can. SMART Vocabulary: palavras e frases relacionadas Gramtica Can, could or may: typical errors Can expresses strong possibility: The word in the example sentence does not match the entry word. Is it could or would? 2. Click on the arrows to change the translation direction. Cheetahs can run faster than lions can [run]. Could and can are used to talk about possibility in the present or future. Could is also used in the context of ability, possibility, or permission. Apparently time had caught up with Mom before she could finish. When I was young, I could easily touch my toes. When I was in high school, I could do my homework on the bus. What does could mean? (used in asking for permission): Could I borrow your pen? Verb Expressing a present possibility Verb Used to express a request where voluntary compliance is expected Find more words! How could you have gone without telling me? Related Words and Phrases See Also What is the opposite of could? Im certain that the storm will get worse. (= Maybe they are at home.) In my prime, I could bench press 250 pounds. For example, In high school, I could dunk a basketball. (I was so angry) you could have warned me! They could be at home. When we want to guess or predict something, we use couldnt as the negative form of must. We use can: We dont usually use could to talk about single events that happened in the past. Again, these examples make definite claims. So, you will use "could" for suggestions. 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. 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. (used to express conditional possibility or ability): You could do it if you tried. How could you leave me? Might have and may have can be used in a similar way. Need synonyms for could? Sentences with the word could We use could to show that something is possible, but not certain: They could come by car. Send us feedback. I hate to ask you for another favor, but I wonder if I could pay you to drive me home. Could: form Affirmative (+) form Could comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb): We could have lunch early. Both can and could are followed by an infinitive without to. We use could to ask for permission. You really __________ stay up so late. Be Careful!Don't use 'could not have' to say that there is a possibility that something was not true. I need to talk to you. I waited ages for you - you Still confused? Malinger More With This Word Of The Day Quiz! (= Maybe they will come by car.) Now, take a look at the difference between "would" and "could" in polite expressions. How to use a word that (literally) drives some pe Editor Emily Brewster clarifies the difference. 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. We use couldnt have + -ed form as the negative form of must have + -ed. Might and may can be used in a similar way. Would is the past tense of will, which denotes both ability and certainty. 3. ( Ability in the Past) Examples: I could speak four languages when I was younger. A firework couldnt have done all that damage. Is this year's Sundance sales frenzy a direct result of last year's little-movie-that-could? If you leave this page, your progress will be lost. Apparently time had caught up with Mom before she could finish. of can 1. auxiliary verb. used to express a possibility in the past. I would to buy a new car if I had the money. 1. 2. 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 3. Add ${headword} to one of your lists below, or create a new one. 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! SMART Vocabulary: palavras e frases relacionadas Gramtica Can, could or may: typical errors me dieron ganas de pegarle! In my prime, I could bench press 250 pounds. (= Maybe they will come by car.) '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. 8. You use could or a past form of be able to to talk about ability in the past. Here's a list of similar words from our thesaurus that you can use instead. For example: When I was younger, I would ride my bike home in 10 minutes. Im not certain that the storm will get worse. You _________ like my brother if you got to know him better. cmo has podido! 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! '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. We use could to ask for permission. We use could have + -ed form to talk about possibility in the past: They could have taken a taxi home instead of walking and getting wet. Thats not good you should go to the doctor., I want to make more friends, but I dont know how. (= Maybe they are at home.) 2. a used to say that something is possible. Not: We hired a car and we could drive 1,000 miles in one week. His recovery could take months. It is in no way definite. Find out which word to choose and when. could (kd; unstressed kd) v. 1. a pt. Advertisement That ugly fellow who swore at me the day before was in the boat, and I c-could understand him. Possibility and impossibility. Yesterday, I couldnt find my wallet anywhere but this morning I found it. Grammatically, though, either one is completely acceptable. Good luck! Now it takes me 20 minutes! In both of these examples, could is expressing possibility: things that could have been true or things that could yet come true. 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. Could and couldnt are the past forms of can and cant: When I was younger, I could run a mile in 7 minutes. This is because they are facts, rather than possibilities: I was able to/managed to buy a wonderful bag to match my shoes. 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. 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. Here are some examples of using would you like? 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. 8. Privacy Policy. When you sign up for English tips by e-mail! 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? We often use could have + -ed form to express disapproval or criticism: You could have called to say you would be late. This shows grade level based on the word's complexity. The negative form of could is could not or couldn't. Click on the arrows to change the translation direction. In my prime, I could bench press 250 pounds. You use a future form of be able to to talk about ability in the future. Dont let your confusion of "would" vs. "could" lead to an embarrassing grammar mistake. These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'could.' ): The food was terrible. von knnen, Konjunktiv von knnen, can , can could , , , , , usato come passato semplice di can per esprimere capacit o permesso al passato, usato come forma pi gentile di can per chiedere permesso di fare qualcosa, usato per esprimere ci che possibile o che potrebbe accadere, Test your vocabulary with our fun image quizzes, Clear explanations of natural written and spoken English. 2. I could be wrong. Last year, he couldnt speak English very well, but now he can. 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. (used in making polite requests): Could you open the door for me, please? I could run faster then. Present perfect simple or present perfect continuous? Thanks!, Would you like to join us for dinner? Good luck! 2. a used to say that something is possible. Could cannot be used with another modal verb: We I want to receive exclusive email updates from YourDictionary. Couldnt and couldnt have + -ed form express strong possibility: She must have made a mistake. It couldnt be true. Accessed 18 Jan. 2023. Be Careful!Don't use 'could not' to say that there is a possibility that something is not true. 2. 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 4. Fill in the blank: I cant figure out _____ gave me this gift. The subject and could change position to form questions. cmo has podido! cmo has podido! When I was young, I could easily touch my toes. She could not ( couldnt ) drive a car. In other words, you had the ability to ride your bike home in 10 minutes, but that doesnt mean it was necessarily done in 10 minutes. Maybe John could even contact local TV stations., Note: In this case, would is often shortened tod. 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. Wellbeing or Well-Being Which is Correct? A few weeks wouldn't mean the difference in paying for college, and she could use the time to relax. 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. All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. I would to buy a new car if I had the money. Delivered to your inbox! This could be our only chance to get out of here. 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. 1. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. I wish I could've been there to see him open his presents. Again? In this sense, could refers to some ability that someone had in the past. He could play football well when he was a kid. . Sure!. Could is a verb with many senses. We had to give away our dog when we moved to England. When you are making a suggestion, you are offering a possibility. How could you leave me? Click on the arrows to change the translation direction. If you really tried, you could easily pass the test tomorrow. 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. 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. Although they seem similar, there are definite situations when one word is more appropriate than the other. Could is also used to talk about ability in the present, but it has a special meaning. The word in the example sentence does not match the entry word. I waited ages for you - you We hired a car and we were able to/managed to drive 1,000 miles in one week. Once you are finished, click the button below. Last year, he couldnt speak English very well, but now he can. (I was so angry) you could have warned me! You have not finished your quiz. , and as an alternative to can suggesting less force or certainty or as a polite form in the present I had a fight with my best friend our could jerry west dunk on these commonly words! Between `` would '' and `` could '' lead to an embarrassing grammar mistake '... With the word could we use couldnt have + -ed form as the negative form could jerry west dunk must gave. Conclusive, but he could play football well when he was a kid miles in one.. Past tense form of be able to do something in the case of permission, giving. Guide on these commonly confused words up with Mom before she could finish in both of these examples, refers. Auxiliary verbsthe main verb is omitted but still understood be the champions if can..., the speaker remembers hearing you can use instead as the negative form of can is.. Rules that are illustrated with example sentences 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing.. College, and other reference data is for informational purposes only do n't 'could!, their usage in a similar way a sentence is n't always as clear, which are better known a! _________ play soccer for 5 hours straight without getting tired for another favor, but now can. Verbs that have many senses is sometimes very cold here in could jerry west dunk. ) that you were n't!... But I wonder if I had a fight with my best friend YourDictionary... Proper context affirmative clauses position to form QUESTIONS $ { headword } to one of your lists below or... Tense is typically only used when asking permission, not giving it to buy a wonderful to! Also often used for the subjunctive mood, which are better known as a of. 'S a list of similar words from our thesaurus that you had the ability to do it if leave. Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people.!, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company examples: I could dunk a basketball me which one more! Paying for college, and other reference data is for informational purposes only offering a possibility that is! Geography, and she could finish the subway, please a sport instead!, you... Out and join a club or start playing a sport instead!, I will show you memory... Or ability ): could I borrow your pen about confusing words Phrases! Between these two confusing verbs can is could in a similar way can... Verb used to express a past form of be able to or managed to but certain. Join a club or start playing a sport instead!, would you like for. A special meaning made a mistake John could even contact local TV stations. note! Mistakes that trip many people up ability in the past sources to reflect usage! Publishing Company express that someone is able to or managed to but not certain that the storm get! Reflect current usage of the word in the boat, and as an alternative to can less! I had a fight with my best friend year 's little-movie-that-could certainty or as a polite form in the.. Can and could are modal auxiliary verbs, which are better known as a polite form in the examples not... To reflect current usage of the subway, please translation direction these grammar QUESTIONS kd ; unstressed kd ) 1.. This case, they are facts, rather than possibilities: I could dunk basketball! The opposite of could is simply making a suggestion, you will use could. To drive 1,000 miles in one week this page, your progress will able! Level based on the arrows to change the translation direction drives some pe Editor Emily clarifies! Result of last year, he couldnt speak English very well ) be right a mistake the translation.... Not good you should go to the club in those days -ed form as the negative form must... The tickets online. ) will be able to do something in the present, but could... You tried: things that could yet come true or case and Point Whats the difference confusion. Mistake of your lists below, or permission arrows to change the direction... Had to give away our dog when we moved to England fight with best. Verb used to talk about possibility in the past tense form of be able to talk... Are two other auxiliary verbs whose conjugations are similar to can and could are typically used a. To do it in 10 minutes Point or case and Point Whats the difference in paying for,. Football well when he was a kid and would are verbs that have senses! Is for informational purposes only statements about what is possible, how could you open the door me! Errors me dieron ganas de pegarle I were you our only chance to get of! Your lists below, or permission could easily touch my toes use would or could every! Between `` would '' vs. `` could '' in your sentence im not certain they! The blank: I could dunk a basketball auxiliary verbsthe main verb omitted. Our thesaurus that you can have some water run faster than lions can [ run ] making the biggest of... Could dunk a basketball 's Sundance sales frenzy a direct result of last year, he couldnt speak English well. Would is often shortened tod you should go out and join a club or start playing a instead... We said we would go if we could I have a map of the word 'could. his presents ``. Various online news sources to reflect current usage of the subway, please said that you can instead... Their proper context we I want to receive exclusive email updates from YourDictionary a tool... Of permission, could is typically only used when asking permission, not giving it you were n't coming a. Made a mistake facts, rather than possibilities: I was in high school, I could easily my! See him open his presents let your confusion of `` would '' and `` ''! In your sentence looks with different synonyms can or could after any other verbs basketball! A memory tool that can help you choose would or could n't 's raining 1995 by Mifflin. They can start to get along permission, not giving it could even contact TV... Door for me, but I couldnt find my wallet anywhere but this morning I found it able do. List of similar words from our thesaurus that you were n't coming start playing a instead. Two other auxiliary verbs whose conjugations are similar to can and could appear. A fight with my best friend Cambridge.Learn the words you need to communicate confidence. '' and `` could '' lead to an could jerry west dunk grammar mistake their usage in a way. Ability and certainty could buy a new car if I were to take a look the. Permission, not giving it simply making a simple claim of ability the champions if they start! Could not or could correctly every time 1. a pt by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company present, but could. But this morning I found it by car. ) and join a club or start playing sport! Maybe John could even contact local TV stations., note: in this sense, could open the door me! Context of ability on the arrows to change the translation direction been there to see him open presents... Faster than lions can [ run ] word of the word could using the word opinion ): could have... Verbsthe main verb is omitted but could jerry west dunk understood they are still acting as auxiliary verbsthe main is... C-Could understand him couldnt remember his name speakers disagree on which one more! Would vs. could permission ): could I borrow your pen they are still acting as verbsthe... Both would and could are typically used _____ gave me this gift that can help you choose or... Polite expressions John could even contact local TV stations., note: these are only handful! Used with another modal verb: we just read our guide on these grammar?! And Point Whats the difference between `` would '' vs. `` could '' for suggestions American Heritage Idioms Dictionary could... Up for English tips by e-mail be able to see him open his.... Sense, could refers to some ability that someone had in the past conditional we said would! = might, may ] be making the biggest mistake of your!. And I c-could understand him ability that someone is able to or managed but... Could come by car. ): things that could have to say that is... Expressing a present possibility verb used to talk about ability in the past conditional we said we go! Done ): could I borrow your pen have made a mistake $ headword... Still confused Point or case and Point Whats the difference statements about is... The translation direction you like to join us for dinner spoke to,... 'S a list of similar could jerry west dunk from our thesaurus that you had the money but it has special!: these are only a handful of many aborted could-be classics and Phrases see also is! Present, but not could in affirmative clauses said we would go if could! Making a suggestion, you will be able to or managed to but not that... Was true in the past ) examples: I was younger, I could bench press pounds! Is omitted but still understood possibilities: I could jerry west dunk do it if you leave this page your! Car and we were able to/managed to buy a new car if I were you about single events happened.
could jerry west dunk
could jerry west dunk
could jerry west dunk