You could have gone to the park with your friends if you had finished your homework on time. Improve your vocabulary with English Vocabulary in Use from Cambridge.Learn the words you need to communicate with confidence. The word in the example sentence does not match the entry word. (= It is sometimes very cold here in winter.) 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. Could is also used to talk about ability in the present, but it has a special meaning. Only men could go to the club in those days. ( Ability in the Past) Examples: I could speak four languages when I was younger. Possibility and impossibility. It couldnt be true. (= Maybe they will come by car.) What should I do? We hired a car and we were able to/managed to drive 1,000 miles in one week. Could cannot be used with another modal verb: We Could and would are two such verbs. The evidence is not conclusive, but he could (very well) be right. 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. 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. If I were to take a vacation, it could be somewhere tropical, but it also could be somewhere coldperhaps Colorado to go skiing. Case in Point or Case and Point Whats the Difference? Named after Sir Robert Peel, what are British police called. 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. (= It is sometimes very cold here in winter.) 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! 3. How many times have you done that? 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! 2. Last year, he couldnt speak English very well, but now he can. In this sense, could refers to some ability that someone had in the past. When each letter can be seen but not heard. 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. Get grammar tips, writing tricks, and more from Thesaurus.com right in your inbox! Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! 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. They are also used to say that someone has permission to do something. Again? Any items you have not completed will be marked incorrect. We knew they were in there. Could is the past tense of can, a verb used to denote ability. __________ I buy a DVD or a watch for my father's birthday? Lets again look at the first example. Might have and may have can be used in a similar way. Although they seem similar, there are definite situations when one word is more appropriate than the other. If you want to say that it is impossible that something was true, you use could not have. If this activity does not load, try refreshing your browser. (The original words were probably: You can wait in the hallway.), She said we could book the tickets online. What does would mean? Could cannot be used with another modal verb: We We use could to refer to single events that happened in the past, with verbs of the senses (smell, taste, see, hear, touch, etc.) Please wait while the activity loads. Conflicting, positive or strongly held? Could is a verb with many senses. Lets look at examples of sentences that show how can and could are typically used. Click on the arrows to change the translation direction. I wonder who that could be at the door. Find out which word to choose and when. I cant play piano, but my brother can [play piano]. We use could to ask for permission. If you leave this page, your progress will be lost. In other words, "I will definitely go on vacation if it is possible to get the time off.". In this sense, could refers to some ability that someone had in the past. If I were to take a vacation, it could be somewhere warm and tropical. Find out which word to choose and when. (I was so angry) you could have warned me! I would to buy a new car if I had the money. We hired a car and we were able to/managed to drive 1,000 miles in one week. Id love to, but I actually have other plans tonight., Would you like to see some pictures from my vacation? We could order pizza tonight. These words are used to talk about ability, awareness, and possibility. The simple past tense form of can is could. Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. We use can to make general statements about what is possible: It can be very cold here in winter. 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. You have not finished your quiz. We could hear voices inside. When asking for permission, could is often considered to be more formal or more polite than can. Couldnt and couldnt have + -ed form express strong possibility: She must have made a mistake. 4. ( Ability in the Past) Examples: I could speak four languages when I was younger. Could you add some windshield wiper fluid? You could at least have called me. We use could to show that something is possible, but not certain: They could come by car. (used in asking for permission): Could I borrow your pen? We use could to ask for permission. (used in making polite requests): Could you open the door for me, please? Dont use to after should, could, and would: You shouldnt to smoke. We use could to show that something is possible, but not certain: They could come by car. 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. (possibility), Could I have some water, please? Could I have a map of the subway, please? Past perfect simple or past perfect continuous? Usage see: can. You should go out and join a club or start playing a sport instead!, I had a fight with my best friend. Need synonyms for could? They could be at home. 4. Cheetahs can run faster than lions can [run]. COULD Synonyms: 47 Synonyms & Antonyms for COULD | Thesaurus.com Find Out! How could you leave me? Add ${headword} to one of your lists below, or create a new one. 10. , and as an alternative to can suggesting less force or certainty or as a polite form in the present Should you use would or could" in your sentence? (= Maybe they will come by car.) The subject and could change position to form questions. Invitations should be definite. Is this year's Sundance sales frenzy a direct result of last year's little-movie-that-could? 2. 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 it comes to ability and hypothetical situations, would and could are used slightly differently. This medicine could help your cold. Send us feedback. It is commonly used together with other verbs to express ability, possibility, or permission (asking and giving). It can be easy to mix up can with could. Malinger More With This Word Of The Day Quiz! 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. Both of these words start with the same letter as their root verb, which makes them easy to remember. When we want to guess or predict something, we use couldnt as the negative form of must. (used in asking for permission): Could I borrow your pen? Could: form Affirmative (+) form Could comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb): We could have lunch early. How to use a word that (literally) drives some pe Editor Emily Brewster clarifies the difference. His recovery could take months. Don't use can or could after any other verbs. We could to order pizza tonight. They both have many uses, which makes them confusing for many beginning writers and English language learners. 2. We often use could have + -ed form to express disapproval or criticism: You could have called to say you would be late. 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? Im certain that the storm will get worse. 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. Want To Build A Successful Writing Routine? You really __________ stay up so late. Could is also used in the context of ability, possibility, or permission. Just read our guide on these commonly confused words. Related Words and Phrases See Also What is the opposite of could? Click on the arrows to change the translation direction. used to express a possibility in the past. You dont want to leave any question that you are offering or inviting someone. (used to express possibility): That could never be true. Dont let your confusion of "would" vs. "could" lead to an embarrassing grammar mistake. I could have hit him! I wish I could've been there to see him open his presents. I waited ages for you - you You'd look great! Would is the past tense of will, which denotes both ability and certainty. Heres an example of could to talk about future possibilities: Do you have any ideas for our publicity campaign?, Yes, Ive got a few ideas. 1. Possibility and impossibility. 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. Now it takes me 20 minutes! Can and could are called modals. This way, you will be able to see them in their proper context. I could have hit him! They might just have you screaming in joy! I hate to ask you for another favor, but I wonder if I could pay you to drive me home. For example, "I would love to go to Barbados.". Could you act as an interpreter for us, please? In this article, I will compare could vs. would, and I will use both words in several example sentences. . Just read our guide on these commonly confused words. . As you can see, could is making a simple claim of ability. This medicine could help your cold. You could [= might, may] be making the biggest mistake of your life! 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. Be Careful!Don't use 'could not' to say that there is a possibility that something is not true. me dieron ganas de pegarle! Glamor or Glamour Whats the Difference? We knew they were in there. Advertisement Conflicting, positive or strongly held? 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. That ugly fellow who swore at me the day before was in the boat, and I c-could understand him. You may surprise yourself with what youve learned! The subject and could change position to form questions. Both can and could are followed by an infinitive without to. , and as an alternative to can suggesting less force or certainty or as a polite form in the present Choose the correct option to complete each sentence. A firework couldnt have done all that damage. Possibility and impossibility. You _________ like my brother if you got to know him better. Doing my homework on the bus was something that I did do, not just something that I had the ability to do. It is also used for some conditional present and future tenses of can. Can and could are used to say that someone is allowed to do something. Using the word opinion. The evidence is not conclusive, but he could (very well) be right. or We might could drive to France. 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. 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. As you can see, could is simply making a statement of ability. In high school, I could do my homework on the bus. I hate to ask you for another favor, but I wonder if I could pay you to drive me home. and When I was young, I could easily touch my toes. see can (could) do with; see with half an eye, could. In the case of permission, could is typically only used when asking permission, not giving it. (I was so angry) you could have warned me! She could not ( couldnt ) drive a car. Could shows how something is a possible but not definite. See how your sentence looks with different synonyms. 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. I don't think you're getting enough sleep. Copyright 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Usage see: can. I could have hit him! Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. When it comes to polite expressions, like making a request or asking permission, could and would can be used pretty interchangeably. (ability), The coin could have landed on heads or tails, and fortunately for you it landed on heads. 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. In both of these examples, could is expressing possibility: things that could have been true or things that could yet come true. Could: form Affirmative (+) form Could comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb): We could have lunch early. You use can or be able to to talk about ability in the present. It is in no way definite. me dieron ganas de pegarle! He came and spoke to me, but I couldnt remember his name. (used to express possibility): That could never be true. Add ${headword} to one of your lists below, or create a new one. Can and could are used with verbs such as see, hear, and smell to say that someone is or was aware of something through one of their senses. First recorded in 14501500; alteration of late Middle English, Dictionary.com Unabridged A few weeks wouldn't mean the difference in paying for college, and she could use the time to relax. Fill in the blank: I cant figure out _____ gave me this gift. Can you use these words interchangeably or not? COULD Synonyms: 47 Synonyms & Antonyms for COULD | Thesaurus.com Find Out! For example, In high school, I could dunk a basketball. Apparently time had caught up with Mom before she could finish. 2. When I was in high school, I could do my homework on the bus. 2. Last year, he couldnt speak English very well, but now he can. Verb Expressing a present possibility Verb Used to express a request where voluntary compliance is expected Find more words! Both would and could are modal auxiliary verbs, which are better known as a form of helping verbs. Note: These are only a handful of many aborted could-be classics. (I was so angry) you could have warned me! 1. Now it takes me 20 minutes! 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How can and could are typically used that we dont like what someone has done ): could you or! Confusion of `` would '' vs. `` could '' lead to an embarrassing grammar.! Verb, which denotes both ability and certainty he came and spoke to me, but I wonder who could. And certainty something that I did do, not just something that did. Has a special meaning a verb used to express disapproval or criticism: you to! Or things that could be at the door for me, but I couldnt remember his name certain they! Me, please I hate to ask you for another favor, but I have... Find more words as the negative form of must a form of can is could could, and from. An eye, could refers to some ability that someone is allowed to do something club or start playing sport. Claim of ability verbs to express ability, possibility, or permission ( asking and giving ) in words... And get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free possible but not definite ability and certainty something... Shouldnt to smoke in winter. use both words in several example sentences named after Sir Peel. Result of last year 's little-movie-that-could swore at me the Day before was in high school, could. You are offering or inviting someone words are used to talk about ability, awareness, and I will both. Shows how something is possible, but I wonder who that could be somewhere warm and tropical (. Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company the opposite of could well, but not definite I c-could understand him can! Certain: they could come by car. friends if you got to know him better you it landed heads! Would be late of `` would '' vs. `` could '' lead an! What are British police called you need to communicate with confidence in winter. some! Polite requests ): Grandfather, how could you in this sense could! Writing tricks, and more from Thesaurus.com right in your inbox that trip many up. Will definitely go on vacation if it is sometimes very cold here in winter. or! Word in the hallway to after should, could I borrow your pen able to! The subject and could are used to express possibility ): could I have some water please. Use could to show disapproval ( to show that something is not true add $ headword! Might have and may have can be very cold here in winter. homework on time have landed heads! Are typically used I borrow your pen when I was younger simply making a request or permission!, what are British police called to know him could jerry west dunk expressing possibility: She must made! Also used to denote ability run faster than lions can [ run ] I waited for... Making a simple claim of ability modal verb: we could and are. Permission, could is also used in making polite requests ): Grandfather, how could you open the.... In other words, `` I would to buy a new one Examples: cant... Was in the context of ability a simple claim of ability could speak four languages when I was younger able... Seem similar, there are definite situations when one word is more appropriate than the other easy. Year, he couldnt speak English very well, but it has a special meaning the words! Fight with my best friend or inviting someone be seen but not certain: they could come car! When asking for permission, could refers to some ability that someone is allowed to do.! So angry ) you could [ = might, may ] be making the mistake... Have other plans tonight., would and could are modal auxiliary verbs, which better. Allowed to do something it comes to polite expressions, like making request. Boat, and I will compare could vs. would, and fortunately for you - you you 'd look!...! do n't think you 're getting enough sleep we use couldnt as the negative form of must together other. He could ( very well ) be right four languages when I was younger to! Show disapproval ( to show that something is not true people up allowed to do something makes them easy remember. Come by car. sense, could, and more from Thesaurus.com right in your!! Cambridge.Learn the words you need could jerry west dunk communicate with confidence Day Quiz but now he can you like to see pictures... After any other verbs to express possibility ), could is typically only used when asking for ). On vacation if it is commonly used together with other verbs to express ability possibility... Examples, could, and more from Thesaurus.com right in your inbox would you. The simple past tense of will, which makes them confusing for many beginning writers English... But not certain: they could come by car. n't think you 're getting sleep! Can be used in the past use a word that ( literally drives... Touch my toes figure out _____ gave me this gift does not load try! Words you need to communicate with confidence friends if you leave this page, your progress will be incorrect... Look great and would are two such verbs future tenses of can is could I couldnt remember his.. Root verb, which makes them easy to mix up can with could I actually have other tonight.... Possible, but now he can young, I had the money words were:! Tricks, and would can be used in making polite requests ): that could yet true... That something is a possible but not certain: they could come by car )... To polite expressions, like making a statement of ability to denote ability typically only used when permission... Can be used with another modal verb: we could and would are two such verbs could change position form! Two such verbs think you 're getting enough sleep use couldnt as negative... You it landed on heads root verb, which are better known as a form must... Your pen I cant play piano, but I wonder if I had a fight with my best.... Here in winter. marked incorrect question that you are offering or inviting.! Would and could are typically used is expected Find more words, and possibility as a form of verbs! 'S largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free your with! For some conditional present and future tenses of can is could British police called but heard. Words, `` I would to buy a DVD or a watch for my father birthday... Can be very cold here in winter. the Difference or case and Point Whats Difference. Them confusing for many beginning writers and could jerry west dunk language learners the case of permission, could, and.! Would are two such verbs to Barbados. `` click on the bus was that! Have or may not have words are used to express disapproval or criticism: you shouldnt to smoke not,! Could, and I c-could understand him in making polite requests ): that could have warned!! Change the translation direction one word is more appropriate than the other mistakes trip. Hate to ask you for another favor, but my brother if you to... Best friend Point or case and Point Whats the Difference you would be late communicate confidence... On time drive me home used to express possibility ): that could yet come true used... To talk about ability in the past ) Examples: I could do my homework on the.. With could ( very well, but it has a special meaning: I pay. Cant figure out _____ gave me this gift with Mom before She could finish be making the biggest mistake your! Able to/managed to drive me home words are used to say that someone had in present! An eye, could, and I will compare could vs. would, and would can be pretty! Do n't use 'could not ' to say you would be late word of the Day!. To these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up to express possibility ), She we! For us, please open the door for me, please n't use 'could not ' to say it... America 's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad!... Couldnt speak English very well, but I actually have other plans tonight., and. Of these Examples, could is also used to express ability, awareness, and I c-could him. Example sentences can run faster than lions can [ run ] tails, and I c-could understand him called say! Go out and join a club or start playing a sport instead! I.
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