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 …

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 …

Could is also used to talk about ability in the present, but it has a special meaning. If you say that someone could do something, you mean that they have the ability to do it, but they don't in …

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, esp in polite requests or in conditional sentences, to make the subjunctive mood of can 1: could I see you tonight?, she'd telephone if she could