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

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

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

Learn about the modal verbs can and could and do the exercises to practise using them.

The negative form of could is could not or couldn't. 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.

Apr 9, 2025 · Learn 8 expert ways to use could in English—past abilities, polite requests, regrets, and more—with real examples and clear practice tips.

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

A modal verb is a type of verb that contextually indicates a modality such as a likelihood, ability, permission, request, capacity, suggestion, order, obligation, necessity, possibility or advice. Modal …

'Could' is a modal auxiliary verb used to express possibility, ability, or permission in the past. It plays a significant role in conveying various meanings depending on context, such as suggesting …

Jan 1, 2026 · How to use the modal verbs CAN and COULD in English and the difference between them - Woodward English grammar lesson