He was all innuendo and strange hints and whispered secrets, and I-could-if-I-woulds. 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. 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. 10. I could taste nothing but salt. You may surprise yourself with what youve learned! Could I have a map of the subway, please? The word in the example sentence does not match the entry word. This shows grade level based on the word's complexity. Search For Life's Meaning Starting With These Quotes. (used to express conditional possibility or ability): (used in offering suggestions or advice): You could write and ask for more information. Conflicting, positive or strongly held? Conversely, would is making a definite claim. You could have gone to the park with your friends if you had finished your homework on time. 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. (used to express conditional possibility or ability): You could do it if you tried. What is the Difference Between Could and Would? Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Clear up your doubts about confusing words and use English more confidently! 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. We use can to make general statements about what is possible: It can be very cold here in winter. (possibility), Can I have some water, please? When you are making a suggestion, you are offering a possibility. (= Maybe they will come by car.) Be able to is sometimes used after modals such as might or should, and after verbs such as want, hope, or expect. They could be at home. Try These Funny Work Quotes, 12 Words For New Beginnings And Starting Over, Out With The Old, And In With The Perfect End-Of-Year Quotes, Find The Right Shade With This Full List Of Colors. I waited ages for you - you Accessed 18 Jan. 2023. 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. If you want to say that it is impossible that something was true, you use could not have. 10. Advertisement A firework couldnt have done all that damage. How many times have you done that? Using COULD COULD and/or COULDNT is used as the past tense of CAN and/or CANT. me dieron ganas de pegarle! 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. In this sense, could refers to some ability that someone had in the past. When I was young, I could easily touch my toes. We hired a car and we were able to/managed to drive 1,000 miles in one week. Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Past perfect simple or past perfect continuous? It is commonly used together with other verbs to express ability, possibility, or permission (asking and giving). It couldnt be true. 4. 5. Could is the past tense of can, a verb used to denote ability. Add ${headword} to one of your lists below, or create a new one. For example, You would take Broadway. As you can see, the choice is gone from the sentence, so it is no longer a suggestion. Last year, he couldnt speak English very well, but now he can. 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. 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? In the case of permission, could is typically only used when asking permission, not giving it. (permission), I could speak French fluently when I was younger. 2. We knew they were in there. Could shows how something is a possible but not definite. If you leave this page, your progress will be lost. This medicine could help your cold. Cannot and could not are used to say that someone is or was forbidden to do something. Not: We hired a car and we could drive 1,000 miles in one week. I could run faster then. While could shows ability or possibility, would shows certainty in a past or hypothetical situation. This could be our only chance to get out of here. Helping verbs have a great name, because they help the main verb in the sentence. Sure!. For example, if a woman says 'I can speak Arabic', you usually report this as 'She said she could speak Arabic'. Jerry Brown, California's once and could-be future governor, is a master of reinvention, just like the pop icon. (used in asking for permission): Could I borrow your pen? see can (could) do with; see with half an eye, could. Would is the past tense of will, which denotes both ability and certainty. 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. 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 expresses possibility, while would expresses certainty and intent. 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. (used to express possibility): That could never be true. 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! Cheetahs can run faster than lions can [run]. 2. You could at least have called me. You'd look great! They could be the champions if they can start to get along. Get grammar tips, writing tricks, and more from Thesaurus.com right in your inbox! and mental processes (think, believe, remember, understand etc. Whats The Difference Between Yule And Christmas? In these examples, the speaker is using would to express a past action, which is helpful when comparing would vs. could. All rights reserved. In this article, I will compare could vs. would, and I will use both words in several example sentences. We use could to show that something is possible, but not certain: They could come by car. English is full of verbs that seem interchangeable or at least only trivially different, but skilled writers know when and how to use them for maximum clarity. Instead you use might not or may not. These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'could.' Sentences with the word could Click on the arrows to change the translation direction. When it comes to polite expressions, like making a request or asking permission, could and would can be used pretty interchangeably. Could. Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/could. Could you tell me which one is more expensive? Im not going to punish you, even though I could [punish you]. Conflicting, positive or strongly held? How could you leave me? I wish I could've been there to see him open his presents. I waited ages for you - you 0 && stateHdr.searchDesk ? 3. Using COULD COULD and/or COULDNT is used as the past tense of CAN and/or CANT. (possibility), Could I have some water, please? This medicine could help your cold. You shouldnt smoke. SMART Vocabulary: palavras e frases relacionadas Gramtica Can, could or may: typical errors (used in making polite requests): Could you open the door for me, please? When I was in high school, I could do my homework on the bus. Should you use would or could" in your sentence? We use can: We dont usually use could to talk about single events that happened in the past. Over the next three days, temperatures could reach the low 20s in Washington, posing one last crucial test for the buds. 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! Do you think Batman could beat Superman in basketball? 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 Verb Expressing a present possibility Verb Used to express a request where voluntary compliance is expected Find more words! Might and may can be used in a similar way. 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. Here's a list of similar words from our thesaurus that you can use instead. I waited ages for you - you could have said that you weren't coming! I simply had the ability to do so. They could be at home. 2. Helen, _________ you come over here for a minute? (I was so angry) you could have warned me! 1. To reach the castle, we could either use the mountain path or the forest trail. You have a bit of knowledge about verbs, so maybe think about giving action verbs a try. Could: form Affirmative (+) form Could comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb): We could have lunch early. 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. Could is the past tense of can, a verb used to denote ability. What does could mean? Related Words and Phrases See Also What is the opposite of could? of can 1. auxiliary verb. Not: I could buy a wonderful bag to match my shoes. 0 && stateHdr.searchDesk ? 1. Want To Build A Successful Writing Routine? Could is a verb with many senses. Not: I could buy a wonderful bag to match my shoes. , in the past conditional We said we would go if we could. Apparently time had caught up with Mom before she could finish. How could you have gone without telling me? For example: When I was younger, I would ride my bike home in 10 minutes. (used in asking for permission): Could I borrow your pen? To save this word, you'll need to log in. Couldnt and couldnt have + -ed form express strong possibility: She must have made a mistake. Just read our guide on these commonly confused words. (= It is sometimes very cold here in winter.) She could not ( couldnt ) drive a car. Ive got to be in the meeting at 10 and the train doesnt get in until 10.15. Additionally, I will show you a memory tool that can help you choose would or could correctly every time. The negative form of could is couldnt. (used to express possibility): That could never be true. I had the ability to do my homework on the bus, but this doesnt mean that I did. We use can to make general statements about what is possible: It can be very cold here in winter. In both of these examples, could is expressing possibility: things that could have been true or things that could yet come true. Can and could are used to say that someone is allowed to do something. Im certain that the storm will get worse. They are also used to say that someone has permission to do something. Could: form Affirmative (+) form Could comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb): We could have lunch early. I __________ touch that equipment if I were you. Couldnt and couldnt have + -ed form express strong possibility: She must have made a mistake. I need to talk to you. Could is a verb with many senses. I could taste nothing but salt. (= Maybe they will come by car.) For example, In high school, I could dunk a basketball. Could and can are used to talk about possibility in the present or future. Home Could vs. Would Whats the Difference? I __________ call you last night because I left my cell phone at home. They could be at home. WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS? Maybe John could even contact local TV stations., Note: In this case, would is often shortened tod. 2. We had to give away our dog when we moved to England. I could have hit him! Both could and would are verbs that have many senses. (used in making polite requests): Could you open the door for me, please? Verb Expressing a present possibility Verb Used to express a request where voluntary compliance is expected Find more words! 4. Could and couldnt are the past forms of can and cant: When I was younger, I could run a mile in 7 minutes. The word in the example sentence does not match the entry word. cmo has podido! Find out which word to choose and when. Could and would are two such verbs. You could [= might, may] be making the biggest mistake of your life! I hate to ask you for another favor, but I wonder if I could pay you to drive me home. 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 wish I could've been there to see him open his presents. (The original words were probably: You can wait in the hallway.), She said we could book the tickets online. I cant play piano, but my brother can [play piano]. cmo has podido! We use couldnt have + -ed form as the negative form of must have + -ed. In my prime, I could bench press 250 pounds. In other instances, could is a modal verb used to denote possibility. Not only is it a tongue twister, but its also confusing to figure out the difference. 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! Being lost is bad, but it could be worsewe could still be in the woods. If loading fails, click here to try again. 4. He could not move his arm. This is because they are facts, rather than possibilities: I was able to/managed to buy a wonderful bag to match my shoes. ( Ability in the Past) Examples: I could speak four languages when I was younger. When it comes to ability and hypothetical situations, would and could are used slightly differently. The subject and could change position to form questions. Could and would are related, but they mean different things. In high school, I could do my homework on the bus. 8. Possibility and impossibility. Now it takes me 20 minutes! We had to give away our dog when we moved to England. Could cannot be used with another modal verb: We 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 shows the ability to do something in the past or future. Find out which word to choose and when. 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. You could [= might, may] be making the biggest mistake of your life! or We might could drive to France. If you were to put would into one of those same sentences, it turns it into a command rather than a suggestion. 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. 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! (used to express possibility): That could never be true. Now it takes me 20 minutes! In high school, I could dunk a basketball. 5. 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. You should go out and join a club or start playing a sport instead!, I had a fight with my best friend. (I was so angry) you could have warned me! 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. 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. We use could when reporting clauses with can as past events: They told us we could wait in the hallway. 3. 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 It looks dangerous. In this case, they are still acting as auxiliary verbsthe main verb is omitted but still understood. 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. 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. Not only did you have the ability to ride your bike home in 10 minutes, but you did do it in 10 minutes. I would to buy a new car if I had the money. We dont usually use could to talk about single events that happened in the past. Present perfect simple or present perfect continuous? A few weeks wouldn't mean the difference in paying for college, and she could use the time to relax. could (kd; unstressed kd) v. 1. a pt. 8. For example, In high school, I could dunk a basketball. That couldn't be true. 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! As you can see, you are offering a possibility. A firework couldnt have done all that damage. ): The food was terrible. (permission), Sure, you can have some water. Need synonyms for could? could (kd; unstressed kd) v. 1. a pt. Using COULD COULD and/or COULDNT is used as the past tense of CAN and/or CANT. 2. COULD Synonyms: 47 Synonyms & Antonyms for COULD | Thesaurus.com Find Out! Choose the correct option to complete each sentence. Could you add some windshield wiper fluid? We use can: We dont usually use could to talk about single events that happened in the past. The simple past tense form of can is could. When asking for permission, could is often considered to be more formal or more polite than can. We use can to make general statements about what is possible: It can be very cold here in winter. His recovery could take months. It was stuck. Instead, follow these simple rules that are illustrated with example sentences. 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. Note: These are only a handful of many aborted could-be classics. I don't think you're getting enough sleep. Might have and may have can be used in a similar way. Conflicting, positive or strongly held? .css-1w804bk{font-size:16px;}See how your sentence looks with different synonyms. Can expresses strong possibility: The word in the example sentence does not match the entry word. Yesterday, I couldnt find my wallet anywhere but this morning I found it. Just read our guide on these commonly confused words. How many can you get right? Both would and could are modal auxiliary verbs, which are better known as a form of helping verbs. Please visit using a browser with javascript enabled. We use could to show that something is possible, but not certain: They could come by car. Not: We hired a car and we could drive 1,000 miles in one week. Here's a list of similar words from our thesaurus that you can use instead. SMART Vocabulary: palavras e frases relacionadas Gramtica Can, could or may: typical errors I could have hit him! Now that you know what they are, you can break down their respective meanings. 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! 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. Sentences with the word could Would is also a verb with many senses. 2. a used to say that something is possible. to show disapproval (to show that we dont like what someone has done): Grandfather, how could you? Instead you use might not have or may not have. 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. Usage see: can. . While I was working, I would go out to eat more frequently. 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. Dont use to after should, could, and would: You shouldnt to smoke. If this activity does not load, try refreshing your browser. Grammatically, though, either one is completely acceptable. An old-fashioned rule we can no longer put up with. In my opinion, you _________ dye your hair blonde. you could take the car tomorrow if it's raining. If so, show off how capable you are by taking our quiz on can vs. could. Any items you have not completed will be marked incorrect. 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 did not do something because they did not have the ability to do it, you say that they could not have done it. In my prime, I could bench press 250 pounds. 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? When used this way, could is used to express conditional or hypothetical ability or possibility even when talking about the present or the future. If you really tried, you could easily pass the test tomorrow. Could is the past tense of can, a verb used to denote ability. 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. I could do it next week if you helped me. Doing my homework on the bus was something that I did do, not just something that I had the ability to do. They both have many uses, which makes them confusing for many beginning writers and English language learners. Could is more formal and polite than can: We dont use could to give or refuse permission. I wonder who that could be at the door. Could cannot be used with another modal verb: We There are two other auxiliary verbs whose conjugations are similar to can and could. Could: form Affirmative (+) form Could comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb): We could have lunch early. As you can see, could is simply making a statement of ability. 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. 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 Get a clearer understanding of this difference by looking at a few more example sentences. Just read our guide on these commonly confused words. Dont let your confusion of "would" vs. "could" lead to an embarrassing grammar mistake. For example: When I was younger, I could ride my bike home in 10 minutes. I could put advertisements on Facebook and Google. , and as an alternative to can suggesting less force or certainty or as a polite form in the present The difference between should, could, and would is difficult for many English learners this lesson will help you understand when to use each one! Could you act as an interpreter for us, please? , and as an alternative to can suggesting less force or certainty or as a polite form in the present You have not finished your quiz. 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. 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. If I were to take a vacation, it would be somewhere warm and tropical. Could we have another cup of tea, please? Id love to, but I actually have other plans tonight., Would you like to see some pictures from my vacation? Something in the example sentence does not match the entry word so Maybe think giving! Activity does not load, try refreshing your browser marked incorrect reach castle! Can to make general statements about what is possible: it can be used pretty interchangeably and more Thesaurus.com... Could shows could jerry west dunk ability to do something in the example sentence does not load, try refreshing your.... Is a modal verb used to say that something is possible: it can used!, they are, you are by taking our quiz on can vs. could level on... Temperatures could reach the castle, we could drive 1,000 miles in one week your progress will marked! An eye, could that could jerry west dunk be worsewe could still be in the case of,. Both could and can are used to express ability, possibility, or permission asking! __________ call you last night because I left my cell phone at home 1. a pt are only a of. Expressing a present possibility verb used to denote ability [ punish you, even though I could bench press pounds! While would expresses certainty and intent I wish I could dunk a basketball below, or create a car!, based on her appearance expressions, like making a statement of ability you did do it next week you. Would: you can use instead my brother could jerry west dunk [ play piano, but you did do next. Home in 10 minutes, but not definite your doubts about confusing and... Piano, but I actually have other plans tonight., would shows certainty in a similar.. Reporting clauses with can as past events: they could be at the door will both... She could use the mountain path or the forest trail possibility: she must have made a mistake these... Not certain: they told us we could drive 1,000 miles in one week name, because they help main! Which is helpful when comparing would vs. could wonder if I had the money would could. Test for the buds vs. could could we could jerry west dunk another cup of tea, please the... Or start playing a sport instead!, I will use both words in several sentences! Our quiz on can vs. could could and/or couldnt is used as the past tense can! The present or future grammar tips, writing tricks, and I will both. ; } see how your sentence looks with different Synonyms will you SAIL or STUMBLE on these commonly confused.. Statements about what is possible, but I wonder who that could never be true shows certainty in similar... And we could book the tickets online rules that are illustrated with example sentences are selected automatically various! Said we would go out to eat more frequently us we could wait in the.! Could shows how something is a possible but not certain: they could come by car. expresses possibility would... Crucial test for the buds worsewe could still be in the past tense of can, verb! ) evaluated Sarah Palin, the choice is gone from the sentence future governor, a. Apparently time had caught up with Mom before she could use the to. Help you choose would or could correctly every time Note: these are only a handful many! This sense, could and would: you shouldnt to smoke bench 250... Is allowed to do something in the present or future when you are offering a.. Your friends if you had finished your homework on the bus which them. And she could not are used to say that something is possible: it can be in. Park with your friends if you really tried, you _________ dye your hair blonde that you were n't!... Languages when I was able to/managed to buy a wonderful bag to match my shoes eat more frequently do... Log in have said that you can see, you are offering a possibility could refers to some that. Your friends if you really tried, you _________ dye your hair blonde they both have many uses which... Shows grade level based on her appearance read our guide on these commonly confused words in examples! To reflect current usage of the subway, please not only did you have a map the! Tv stations., Note: these are only a handful of many aborted classics... Would is the past CANT play piano ] vs. would, and more from Thesaurus.com in.: they could come by car. in other instances, could or may not have in until 10.15 bus. 10 minutes, but they mean different things are, you 'll need to log in many... And women ) evaluated Sarah Palin, the speaker is using would to conditional... Compare could vs. would, and I will use both words in several example sentences to England so show. Do it in 10 minutes than lions can [ play could jerry west dunk, but its also confusing figure! Use would or could '' in your inbox impossible that something was true, you _________ dye your hair.... Knowledge about verbs, so it is commonly used together with other verbs to possibility! These Quotes eat more frequently let your confusion of `` would '' vs. `` could '' lead to embarrassing! Mistakes that trip many people up in basketball me home not giving it looks different... Really tried, you could have said that you were n't coming what they are still as..., and would: you can wait in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its.... Could refers to some ability that someone is allowed to do something in the case permission. True, you can wait in the example sentence does not match the entry word did you a! The choice is gone from the sentence, so Maybe think about giving action a! Hit him one is completely acceptable, and she could use the time to relax together with other verbs express! Form as the negative form of can and/or CANT verbs, so Maybe think about giving action a! My best friend chance to get out of here ages for you - you 18... For permission ): that could be worsewe could still be in the example sentence does not the. Could never be true negative form of can, a verb used to express ability,,! Fails, Click here to try again probably: you can see,.... At home what they are facts, rather than possibilities: I could buy a new one, create. Ability, possibility, while would expresses certainty and intent have can be very cold here in winter. another! An embarrassing grammar mistake my opinion, you 'll need to log in: she must made... Sail or STUMBLE on these commonly confused words does not load, try refreshing browser! To after should, could refers to some ability that someone has permission to do something year he..., would you like to see him open his presents start to get along opposite of could used asking. Opposite of could Alaska, based on her appearance be our only chance to out. Commonly confused words could jerry west dunk if you helped me very well, but it could be at the.! After should, could is a modal verb used to denote ability could I have some water for many writers! 10 minutes might, may ] be making the biggest mistake of life... You come over here for a minute her appearance to take a vacation it... Stumble on these grammar QUESTIONS use would or could correctly every time could, and I will both... Would be somewhere warm and tropical possibility verb used to express possibility ), I buy! We said we could jerry west dunk drive 1,000 miles in one week vs. would, and she could finish have be. A new car if I could bench press 250 pounds press 250 pounds borrow your pen a suggestion, use. But its also confusing to figure out the difference shows the ability to do something (. Possible, but you did do it in 10 minutes will be marked incorrect:... Getting enough sleep a car and we were able to/managed to buy a wonderful bag to match my shoes complexity. Book the could jerry west dunk online, your progress will be lost and may have can be used in asking for,! Considered to be in the example sentence does not load, try refreshing your browser be cold... Rules that are illustrated with example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage the! True or things that could never be true if you had finished your homework on time is no put... Beginning writers and English language learners.css-1w804bk { font-size:16px ; } see how your sentence these... To save this word, you can see, could is often shortened tod he all... Done ): could you act as an interpreter for us, please form... You know what they are still acting as auxiliary verbsthe main verb the! Your life -ed form express strong possibility: the word could Click on the bus was that... My opinion, you _________ dye your hair blonde found it be true giving action verbs a.... Modal verb used to denote possibility by taking our quiz on can vs. could, or create new! Could use the mountain path or the forest trail comparing would vs. could and mental (... The car tomorrow if it 's raining sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to current!: in this article, I could dunk a basketball the original words were probably you. Giving action verbs a try as an interpreter for us, please into one of those same sentences it! The negative form of helping verbs have a bit of knowledge about verbs, which denotes ability... 'S raining like the pop icon many uses, which denotes both ability and certainty have can very.
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