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. Definition of could modal verb in oxford advanced learner's dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more. We use could have to say that someone had the ability or opportunity to do something, but did not do it: She could have learned swahili, but she didn't want to.
Master the word could in english: Definitions, translations, synonyms, pronunciations, examples, and grammar insights - all in one complete resource. 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 fact. Past simple of can, used to talk about what someone or something was able or allowed to do.
Learn more. Do you use can and could correctly in english? Join me and learn how to use these two important modal verbs, in terms of grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.
