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 …

We use could to ask for permission. Could is more formal and polite than can: Could I ask you a personal question?

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

"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."

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.

Could definition: Used to indicate ability or permission in the past.

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

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 definition: a simple past tense of can. See examples of could used in a sentence.

used as an auxiliary to indicate suggestion of a course of action: you could take the car tomorrow if it's raining (often followed by well) used as an auxiliary to indicate a possibility: he could well be a spy