could - English word #65

Translation

The past form of "can", or a polite way to ask or to talk about what is possible.

Grammar

Verb typemodal

read four.

"Could" shows she was able to read in the past.

open window?

Here "could" makes a polite request.

rain later.

"Could" shows that rain is possible.

can

To be able to do something, or to be allowed to do it.

would

Used to talk about something that is not certain, or to ask or offer politely.

will

Used before another verb to talk about something that is going to happen in the future.

do

To carry out an action, and also a helper word used to make questions and negatives.

know

To have information about something, or to be familiar with a person.

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