COULD Synonyms: 47 Synonyms & Antonyms for COULD | Thesaurus.com Find Out! We could also give out pamphlets in our neighborhood. They could be at home. Not: We hired a car and we could drive 1,000 miles in one week. 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. Case in Point or Case and Point Whats the Difference? Add ${headword} to one of your lists below, or create a new one. This could be our only chance to get out of here. Instead you use might not have or may not have. We use could to show that something is possible, but not certain: They could come by car. Would and could can also be used together to show certainty and possibility like: I would go on vacation if I could get the time off. (used in making polite requests): Could you open the door for me, please? Still confused? Could you act as an interpreter for us, please? We use could to show that something is possible, but not certain: They could come by car. Sentences with the word could They could be at home. Should you use would or could" in your sentence? I waited ages for you - you Senior defensive linemen Mike Morris and Mazi Smith are both also entering the NFL draft, which makes a minimum of four starters in coordinator Jesse Minter's defense who, The finding demonstrates how the observatory, In March 2021, the supreme court ruled the incriminating statements made by Julie Jensen that were revealed after her death, Neither Bain nor Deleveaux expressed particular concern about the knock-on effects FTX, The planet, called TOI 700 e, is orbiting around a star and, Now, a study published January 10 in the journal Hypertension offers even more evidence of the positive health outcomes that sodium reduction, and as a polite or less forceful alternative to, Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. I would to buy a new car if I had the money. If you want to say that someone had the ability to do something in the past, although they don't now have this ability, you say that they used to be able to do it. Please visit using a browser with javascript enabled. 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. Im not certain that the storm will get worse. Be able to is sometimes used after modals such as might or should, and after verbs such as want, hope, or expect. Could is a verb with many senses. 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. Add ${headword} to one of your lists below, or create a new one. Maybe John could even contact local TV stations., Note: In this case, would is often shortened tod. I hate to ask you for another favor, but I wonder if I could pay you to drive me home. That couldn't be true. When your father was a boy, he _________ play soccer for 5 hours straight without getting tired. (used to express possibility): That could never be true. I could put advertisements on Facebook and Google. cmo has podido! Could you add some windshield wiper fluid? This medicine could help your cold. Now, take a look at the difference between "would" and "could" in polite expressions. For example, you could say: However, there are a few instances of polite expression where you only use would or could. Learn why. Only men could go to the club in those days. In this sense, could refers to some ability that someone had in the past. Choose the correct option to complete each sentence. of can 1. auxiliary verb. Find out which word to choose and when. (The original words were probably: You can wait in the hallway.), She said we could book the tickets online. Yesterday, I couldnt find my wallet anywhere but this morning I found it. Could shows how something is a possible but not definite. 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! (I was so angry) you could have warned me! Using COULD COULD and/or COULDNT is used as the past tense of CAN and/or CANT. Click on the arrows to change the translation direction. He came and spoke to me, but I couldnt remember his name. The negative form of could is couldnt. Can you use these words interchangeably or not? Can and could are called modals. Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012. All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. They are also used to say that someone has permission to do something. .css-1w804bk{font-size:16px;}See how your sentence looks with different synonyms. Over the next three days, temperatures could reach the low 20s in Washington, posing one last crucial test for the buds. Many native speakers disagree on which one expresses more or less certainty. You really __________ stay up so late. Could we have another cup of coffee, please? Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Random House, Inc. 2023, Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition Can, could, and be able to are all used to talk about a person's ability to do something. His recovery could take months. You use can to say that something is sometimes possible. I __________ call you last night because I left my cell phone at home. Instead, follow these simple rules that are illustrated with example sentences. Click on the arrows to change the translation direction. In this article, I will compare could vs. would, and I will use both words in several example sentences. Send us feedback. 2. (= Maybe they will come by car.) These expressions will use would., The clue to the fact that this is an offer or invitation is the inclusion of the word like. Similar terms would work in much the same way. Follow these quick and easy guidelines to never get confused again. Thats not good you should go to the doctor., I want to make more friends, but I dont know how. Im not certain that the storm will get worse. 1. We use could to ask for permission. And Glora and Alanin our present size-could doubtless disembark safely. 4. 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. Possibility and impossibility. Could: form Affirmative (+) form Could comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb): We could have lunch early. The word in the example sentence does not match the entry word. Could is also used in the context of ability, possibility, or permission. When I was young, I could easily touch my toes. 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. How many times have you done that? I would to buy a new car if I had the money. These words are used to talk about ability, awareness, and possibility. It is used to express that someone is able to do something in the past. She could have been the champion if her opponent hadnt cheated. This could be our only chance to get out of here. I simply had the ability to do so. Again, these examples make definite claims. me dieron ganas de pegarle! 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! We use can to make general statements about what is possible: It can be very cold here in winter. to show disapproval (to show that we dont like what someone has done): Grandfather, how could you? 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Do you think Batman could beat Superman in basketball? Could is more formal and polite than can: We dont use could to give or refuse permission. Could: form Affirmative (+) form Could comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb): We could have lunch early. We use can: We dont usually use could to talk about single events that happened in the past. (I was so angry) you could have warned me! Hmm I think you should call her and tell her youre sorry.. William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 HarperCollins Cannot and could not are used to say that someone is or was forbidden to do something. Like other auxiliary verbs, can and could often appear alone in sentences. You could at least have called me. Would is the past tense of will. The evidence is not conclusive, but he could (very well) be right. Ive got to be in the meeting at 10 and the train doesnt get in until 10.15. The negative form of could is couldnt. Could and would are related, but they mean different things. For example: When I was younger, I could ride my bike home in 10 minutes. If I were to take a vacation, it could be somewhere warm and tropical. Sometimes the difference between would and could isnt so clear. Could and can are used to talk about possibility in the present or future. Need synonyms for could? 1. SMART Vocabulary: palavras e frases relacionadas Gramtica Can, could or may: typical errors Here's a list of similar words from our thesaurus that you can use instead. Could and couldnt are the past forms of can and cant: When I was younger, I could run a mile in 7 minutes. Advertisement (used to express conditional possibility or ability): You could do it if you tried. Usage see: can. In my prime, I could bench press 250 pounds. She could not ( couldnt ) drive a car. (I was so angry) you could have warned me! Yesterday, I couldnt find my wallet anywhere but this morning I found it. 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. You could [= might, may] be making the biggest mistake of your life! If you leave this page, your progress will be lost. Nglish: Translation of could for Spanish Speakers, Britannica English: Translation of could for Arabic Speakers. What should I do? 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. Would is also a modal verb used to denote possibility, and it often refers to something that is conditional but definite within those conditions. Invitations should be definite. To reach the castle, we could either use the mountain path or the forest trail. Advertisement We could hear voices inside. Lets look at examples of sentences that show how can and could are typically used. Instead you use might not or may not. Could is also used to talk about ability in the present, but it has a special meaning. We use could to show that something is possible, but not certain: They could come by car. I could do it next week if you helped me. Could: form Affirmative (+) form Could comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb): We could have lunch early. For example, "I would love to go to Barbados.". This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. What do you think? Here are some examples of using would you like? Related Words and Phrases See Also What is the opposite of could? They might just have you screaming in joy! 4. Grammatically, though, either one is completely acceptable. Related Words and Phrases See Also What is the opposite of could? It was stuck. 2. 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! That ugly fellow who swore at me the day before was in the boat, and I c-could understand him. Last year, he couldnt speak English very well, but now he can. 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. In my prime, I could bench press 250 pounds. Could and would are two such verbs. He could play football well when he was a kid. A few weeks wouldn't mean the difference in paying for college, and she could use the time to relax. Could is a verb with many senses. It will be somewhere tropical. WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS? Many men (and women) evaluated Sarah Palin, the could-have-been GOP vice president from Alaska, based on her appearance. This way, you will be able to see them in their proper context. (used to express conditional possibility or ability): You could do it if you tried. We use could when reporting clauses with can as past events: They told us we could wait in the hallway. 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. Related Words and Phrases See Also What is the opposite of could? We use can to make general statements about what is possible: It can be very cold here in winter. (= Maybe they are at home.) (= It is sometimes very cold here in winter.) You'd look great! I want to receive exclusive email updates from YourDictionary. 5. We use can to make general statements about what is possible: It can be very cold here in winter. , and as an alternative to can suggesting less force or certainty or as a polite form in the present could've contraction: colloquial, abbreviation (could have) potere v : I could've been someone, you know. In my prime, I could bench press 250 pounds. While they're clearly different, their usage in a sentence isn't always as clear. Could: form Affirmative (+) form Could comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb): We could have lunch early. To save this word, you'll need to log in. Future: other expressions to talk about the future, Future: present continuous to talk about the future (, Future: present simple to talk about the future (, Verb patterns: verb + infinitive or verb + -, Modality: other modal words and expressions, Conjunctions: causes, reasons, results and purpose, Relative clauses referring to a whole sentence, Relative clauses: defining and non-defining, Forming negative statements, questions and imperatives. I waited ages for you - you Present perfect simple or present perfect continuous? of can 1. auxiliary verb. 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. If you were to put would into one of those same sentences, it turns it into a command rather than a suggestion. For example, In high school, I could dunk a basketball. If you want to say that someone did not do something because they did not have the ability to do it, you say that they could not have done it. Past perfect simple or past perfect continuous? It is commonly used together with other verbs to express ability, possibility, or permission (asking and giving). I wonder who that could be at the door. Could: form Affirmative (+) form Could comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb): We could have lunch early. Get a clearer understanding of this difference by looking at a few more example sentences. In this article, well explain the differences between can and could, cover when and how both words should be used, and provide examples that show how theyre typically used in sentences. We use could to refer to single events that happened in the past, with verbs of the senses (smell, taste, see, hear, touch, etc.) We use couldnt have + -ed form as the negative form of must have + -ed. I waited ages for you - you could have said that you weren't coming! Helping verbs have a great name, because they help the main verb in the sentence. This is because they are facts, rather than possibilities: I was able to/managed to buy a wonderful bag to match my shoes. We often use could have + -ed form to express disapproval or criticism: You could have called to say you would be late. Here's a list of similar words from our thesaurus that you can use instead. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. It couldnt be true. In other words, "I will definitely go on vacation if it is possible to get the time off.". , in the past conditional We said we would go if we could. Would doesnt leave any question or possibility. Could cannot be used with another modal verb: We 3. A firework couldnt have done all that damage. Note: These are only a handful of many aborted could-be classics. He was all innuendo and strange hints and whispered secrets, and I-could-if-I-woulds. Could shows the ability to do something in the past or future. 10. Need synonyms for could? It can be easy to mix up can with could. 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! Conflicting, positive or strongly held? Also see under can; couldn't. Not only did you have the ability to ride your bike home in 10 minutes, but you did do it in 10 minutes. Could is also the past tense of can. could've contraction: colloquial, abbreviation (could have) potere v : I could've been someone, you know. Conversely, would is making a definite claim. Not: I could buy a wonderful bag to match my shoes. (You didnt call I think you should have called.). If I were to take a vacation, it could be somewhere tropical, but it also could be somewhere coldperhaps Colorado to go skiing. Thanks!, Would you like to join us for dinner? Just read our guide on these commonly confused words. Be Careful!Don't use 'could not' to say that there is a possibility that something is not true. 8. They both have many uses, which makes them confusing for many beginning writers and English language learners. Usage see: can. Present perfect simple or present perfect continuous? Past perfect simple or past perfect continuous? Could is the past tense of can, a verb used to denote ability. This medicine could help your cold. 2. For example, In high school, I could dunk a basketball. The word can is an auxiliary verb (or helping verb) and a modal verb. We use can: We dont usually use could to talk about single events that happened in the past. They could be at home. Its a fact. Additionally, I will show you a memory tool that can help you choose would or could correctly every time. 1. I could taste nothing but salt. In my prime, I could bench press 250 pounds. Hear a word and type it out. Could is a verb with many senses. (used in asking for permission): Could I borrow your pen? I don't think you're getting enough sleep. It couldnt be true. Add could to one of your lists below, or create a new one. I could run faster then. It looks dangerous. If so, show off how capable you are by taking our quiz on can vs. could. Is this year's Sundance sales frenzy a direct result of last year's little-movie-that-could? While could shows ability or possibility, would shows certainty in a past or hypothetical situation. Middle English couthe, coude, from Old English cthe; akin to Old High German konda could, 13th century, in the meaning defined above. Learning the difference between "can" vs. "could" and when to use each one couldn't get any easier! In these examples, the speaker is using would to express a past action, which is helpful when comparing would vs. could. When we want to guess or predict something, we use couldnt as the negative form of must. (permission), I could speak French fluently when I was younger. Using COULD COULD and/or COULDNT is used as the past tense of CAN and/or CANT. Learn a new word every day. (used in asking for permission): Could I borrow your pen? Might and may can be used in a similar way. You have not finished your quiz. 2. Although they seem similar, there are definite situations when one word is more appropriate than the other. You have a bit of knowledge about verbs, so maybe think about giving action verbs a try. Seeing a few more examples in action can really drive this point home. We use could have + -ed form to talk about things that did not happen and sometimes to expresses regret: We often use the expression how could you/she/he/they? 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