could

could

W1S1 [kəd strong kud] modal v negative short form couldn't

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1¦(past ability)¦

2¦(possibility)¦

3¦(emphasizing your feelings)¦

4¦(requesting)¦

5¦(suggesting)¦

6¦(annoyance)¦

7 couldn't be better/worse/more pleased etc

8 I couldn't

9 could do with something

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[: Old English; Origin: cuthe, past tense of cunnan ( CAN¹); influenced by should and would]

1.) ¦(PAST ABILITY)¦

used as the past tense of 'can' to say what someone was able to do or was allowed to do in the past

▪ By the time she was eight, she could read Greek and Latin.

▪ In those days you could buy a box of cigars for a dollar.

▪ Could you hear what I was saying?

▪ I couldn't get tickets after all, they were sold out.

▪ I knew I couldn't afford the rent.

▪ The teacher said we could all go home.

2.) ¦(POSSIBILITY)¦

a) used to say that something is possible or might happen

▪ Most accidents in the home could be prevented.

▪ It could be weeks before we get a reply.

▪ If you're not careful, you could get into even worse trouble.

▪ A faulty connection could easily (=would be likely to) cause a fire.

b) used to say that something was a possibility in the past, but did not actually happen

▪ Somebody could have been killed.

▪ I could have warned you if I had known where you were.

▪ He could have escaped, but he chose to stand and fight.

3.) ¦(EMPHASIZING YOUR FEELINGS)¦

spoken used to emphasize how happy, angry etc you are by saying how you want to express your feelings

▪ Sometimes he irritates me so much I could scream.

▪ I was so angry I could have killed her.

▪ I was so relieved I could have kissed them all.

4.) ¦(REQUESTING)¦

spoken used to make a polite request

▪ Could you help me with these boxes?

▪ Could I have a drink of water, please?

▪ How about Sam? Could he come along too?

▪ I wonder if I could just ask you to sign this.

5.) ¦(SUGGESTING)¦

used to suggest doing something

▪ You could ask your doctor for a check-up.

▪ You could always try phoning her at the office.

▪ Maybe we could get together sometime next week?

▪ Couldn't you get one of your friends to help you?

6.) ¦(ANNOYANCE)¦

spoken used to show that you are annoyed about someone's behaviour

▪ You could have told me you were going to be late (=you should have told me but you did not) !

▪ You could at least say that you're sorry.

▪ How could you be so stupid!

7.) couldn't be better/worse/more pleased etc

used to emphasize how good, bad etc something is

▪ Their lifestyles couldn't be more different.

▪ 'How are things?' 'Fine! Couldn't be better.'

▪ Ordering on-line couldn't be simpler.

8.) I couldn't

BrE spoken used to politely say that you do not want any more food or drink

▪ 'Would you like another piece of pie?' 'Oh, no thanks, I couldn't.'

9.) could do with sth

spoken to need or want something

▪ I could do with a hot drink.

→could do worse (than) at ↑worse¹ (5)

→couldn't care less at ↑care² (5)

→couldn't agree more at ↑agree