Be able to is more formal than can. Because can is an irregular verb, its past tense form is could, as in Back then I could not do it, but I can now. I wish I could've been there to see him open his presents. (You didnt call I think you should have called.). , in the past conditional We said we would go if we could. Get grammar tips, writing tricks, and more from Thesaurus.com right in your inbox! Just read our guide on these commonly confused words. If you say that someone could do something, you mean that they have the ability to do it, but they don't in fact do it. Fill in the blank: I cant figure out _____ gave me this gift. (= It is sometimes very cold here in winter.) Advertisement 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? Fourteen words that helped define the year. You _________ like my brother if you got to know him better. Past perfect simple or past perfect continuous? If you want to say that it is impossible that something is true, you use cannot or could not. While they're clearly different, their usage in a sentence isn't always as clear. Im certain that the storm will get worse. Can vs. Could: Whats The Difference? This way, you will be able to see them in their proper context. You shouldnt smoke. He was all innuendo and strange hints and whispered secrets, and I-could-if-I-woulds. We use could to show that something is possible, but not certain: They could come by car. 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! Instead you use might not or may not. 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. I am certain that it is blue. How to use a word that (literally) drives some pe Editor Emily Brewster clarifies the difference. You have a bit of knowledge about verbs, so maybe think about giving action verbs a try. Not: We hired a car and we could drive 1,000 miles in one week. Could I have a map of the subway, please? Nglish: Translation of could for Spanish Speakers, Britannica English: Translation of could for Arabic Speakers. Here's a list of similar words from our thesaurus that you can use instead. 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. 1. If only she could summon him from the moonlight out there; if only she were a witch-could see him, know where he was, what doing! could / ( kd) / verb (takes an infinitive without to or an implied infinitive) used as an auxiliary to make the past tense of can 1 used as an auxiliary, esp in polite requests or in conditional (= Maybe they are at home.) For a related comparison, check out our guide to, The coin can land on heads or tails. I could have hit him! It couldnt be true. These uses are dealt with separately in this entry. We use can to make general statements about what is possible: It can be very cold here in winter. They both have many uses, which makes them confusing for many beginning writers and English language learners. SMART Vocabulary: palavras e frases relacionadas Gramtica Can, could or may: typical errors 'pa pdd chac-sb tc-bd bw hbr-20 hbss lpt-25' : 'hdn'">, Test your vocabulary with our fun image quizzes, Clear explanations of natural written and spoken English. If you were to put would into one of those same sentences, it turns it into a command rather than a suggestion. 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. Its a fact. COULD Synonyms: 47 Synonyms & Antonyms for COULD | Thesaurus.com Find Out! Could is more formal and polite than can: We dont use could to give or refuse permission. Yesterday, I couldnt find my wallet anywhere but this morning I found it. While I was working, I would go out to eat more frequently. Can you use these words interchangeably or not? me dieron ganas de pegarle! Clear up your doubts about confusing words and use English more confidently! Lets take the first of these two examples. You have not finished your quiz. Instead you use might not have or may not have. Could shows the ability to do something in the past or future. In my opinion, you _________ dye your hair blonde. (permission), Sure, you can have some water. I don't think you're getting enough sleep. And Glora and Alanin our present size-could doubtless disembark safely. If you think about would being the past tense of will, then it completely makes sense. Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. How could you leave me? Anthony said you-could hear Emmy's tongue striking the roof of her-mouth all thee time. Could is more formal and polite than can: We dont use could to give or refuse permission. (= Maybe they will come by car.) English is full of verbs that seem interchangeable or at least only trivially different, but skilled writers know when and how to use them for maximum clarity. Please visit using a browser with javascript enabled. She could not ( couldnt ) drive a car. (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. 10. Also see under can; couldn't. SMART Vocabulary: palavras e frases relacionadas Gramtica Can, could or may: typical errors When I was in high school, I could do my homework on the bus. If you leave this page, your progress will be lost. For example, In high school, I could dunk a basketball. could've contraction: colloquial, abbreviation (could have) potere v : I could've been someone, you know. Conflicting, positive or strongly held? The subject and could change position to form questions. How could you have gone without telling me? Usage explanations of natural written and spoken English. Could cannot be used with another modal verb: We They are also used to say that someone has permission to do something. He could play football well when he was a kid. Could cannot be used with another modal verb: We ( Ability in the Past) Examples: I could speak four languages when I was younger. The negative form of could is could not or couldn't. Could we have another cup of tea, please? For example, "I would love to go to Barbados.". 4. The past tense of the verb will is would and the past tense of the verb shall is should. The word can is an auxiliary verb (or helping verb) and a modal verb. You use could to say that there is a possibility that something is or will be true. I waited ages for you - you could have said that you weren't coming! Present perfect simple or present perfect continuous? 2. I had the ability to do my homework on the bus, but this doesnt mean that I did. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. We had to give away our dog when we moved to England. (I was so angry) you could have warned me! When your father was a boy, he _________ play soccer for 5 hours straight without getting tired. Could you come over here? As you can see, could is making a simple claim of ability. It is commonly used together with other verbs to express ability, possibility, or permission (asking and giving). 2. a used to say that something is possible. Dictionary, Encyclopedia and Thesaurus - The Free Dictionary, the webmaster's page for free fun content. In the case of permission, could is typically only used when asking permission, not giving it. I would buy a new car if I had the money. , and as an alternative to can suggesting less force or certainty or as a polite form in the present We could hear voices inside. Follow these quick and easy guidelines to never get confused again. Could is often used in reporting structures. __________ I buy a DVD or a watch for my father's birthday? (ability), The coin could have landed on heads or tails, and fortunately for you it landed on heads. I could have hit him! Would is also a modal verb used to denote possibility, and it often refers to something that is conditional but definite within those conditions. Could in the present only expresses weak possibility. In other words, "I will definitely go on vacation if it is possible to get the time off.". Advertisement Could expresses possibility, while would expresses certainty and intent. Could you tell me which one is more expensive? 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. If so, show off how capable you are by taking our quiz on can vs. could. In my prime, I could bench press 250 pounds. They could be at home. His recovery could take months. To reach the castle, we could either use the mountain path or the forest trail. 1. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 HarperCollins (used in making polite requests): Could you open the door for me, please? You could [= might, may] be making the biggest mistake of your life! It is used to express that someone is able to do something in the past. This could be our only chance to get out of here. She could not ( couldnt ) drive a car. In this sense, could refers to some ability that someone had in the past. I wish I could've been there to see him open his presents. Home Could vs. Would Whats the Difference? (permission). Can expresses strong possibility: The word in the example sentence does not match the entry word. His recovery could take months. Could is the past tense of can, a verb used to denote ability. I waited ages for you - you Again? 1. Privacy Policy. He could play football well when he was a kid. 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. Dont let your confusion of "would" vs. "could" lead to an embarrassing grammar mistake. Sentences with the word could Usage explanations of natural written and spoken English, I could buy a wonderful bag to match my shoes, We hired a car and we could drive 1,000 miles in one week, Adjectives and adjective phrases: typical errors, Adverbs and adverb phrases: typical errors, Nationalities, languages, countries and regions. You may surprise yourself with what youve learned! As you can see, you are offering a possibility. Just read our guide on these commonly confused words. If loading fails, click here to try again. I waited ages for you - you He could play football well when he was a kid. The negative form of could is couldnt. 4. 3. We use could when reporting clauses with can as past events: They told us we could wait in the hallway. 4. In other words, you had the ability to ride your bike home in 10 minutes, but that doesnt mean it was necessarily done in 10 minutes. Hear a word and type it out. could / ( kd) / verb (takes an infinitive without to or an implied infinitive) used as an auxiliary to make the past tense of can 1 used as an auxiliary, esp in polite requests or in conditional Feeling confident about how much youve learned about these verbs? Improve your vocabulary with English Vocabulary in Use from Cambridge.Learn the words you need to communicate with confidence. Seeing a few more examples in action can really drive this point home. I could taste nothing but salt. Apparently time had caught up with Mom before she could finish. Find out which word to choose and when. Search For Life's Meaning Starting With These Quotes. (You didnt call I think you should have called.). This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. Could you act as an interpreter for us, please? used as an auxiliary to make the past tense of, used as an auxiliary, esp in polite requests or in conditional sentences, to make the subjunctive mood of, used as an auxiliary to indicate suggestion of a course of action, you could take the car tomorrow if it's raining, used as an auxiliary to indicate a possibility, Doomed Passion Projects of Hollywood: The Lost Classics of Stanley Kubrick, Alfred Hitchcock, and More, Everyday Sexism Creator Laura Bates on Helping Women Speak Out. We use could to show that something is possible, but not certain: They could come by car. We use can to make general statements about what is possible: It can be very cold here in winter. could (kd; unstressed kd) v. 1. a pt. How many can you get right? It couldnt be true. Could is also used to talk about ability in the present, but it has a special meaning. I could run faster then. It was stuck. Could Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster could auxiliary verb kd, kud past tense of can used in auxiliary function in the past We found we could go. How could you have gone without telling me? When I was young, I could easily touch my toes. Hear a word and type it out. The negative form of could is couldnt. Advertisement (used to express possibility): That could never be true. 2. Possibility and impossibility. Add could to one of your lists below, or create a new one. Could does not have this meaning. You use could have to say that there is a possibility that something was true in the past. When we want to guess or predict something, we use couldnt as the negative form of must. Doing my homework on the bus was something that I did do, not just something that I had the ability to do. 4. I __________ call you last night because I left my cell phone at home. Cannot and could not are used to say that someone is or was forbidden to do something. 0 && stateHdr.searchDesk ? It is in no way definite. To form the negative of be able to, you either put not or another negative word in front of able, or you use the expression be unable to. Could you add some windshield wiper fluid? Be able to is sometimes used after modals such as might or should, and after verbs such as want, hope, or expect. to show disapproval (to show that we dont like what someone has done): Grandfather, how could you? von knnen, Konjunktiv von knnen, can , can could , , , , , usato come passato semplice di can per esprimere capacit o permesso al passato, usato come forma pi gentile di can per chiedere permesso di fare qualcosa, usato per esprimere ci che possibile o che potrebbe accadere, Test your vocabulary with our fun image quizzes, Clear explanations of natural written and spoken English. 5. In my prime, I could bench press 250 pounds. Try These Funny Work Quotes, 12 Words For New Beginnings And Starting Over, Out With The Old, And In With The Perfect End-Of-Year Quotes, Find The Right Shade With This Full List Of Colors. Click on the arrows to change the translation direction. ( Ability in the Past) Examples: I could speak four languages when I was younger. Choose the correct option to complete each sentence. (= Maybe they are at home.) (used in asking for permission): Could I borrow your pen? Related Words and Phrases See Also What is the opposite of could? Eaten or Ate: Feed Your Curiosity By Learning The Difference, Showed Or Shown: See The Difference For Yourself, 10 Enduring Quotes From Martin Luther King Jr To Move You To Action, How To Write An Essay Outline: Tips And Examples, Beyond The Basics: 40+ Distinctive Adjectives To Describe A Person, Master The Art Of Writing With These Top Literary Devices And Examples, Hows That Work-Laugh Balance? Being lost is bad, but it could be worsewe could still be in the woods. In both of these examples, could is expressing possibility: things that could have been true or things that could yet come true. Could: form Affirmative (+) form Could comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb): We could have lunch early. 5. could / ( kd) / verb (takes an infinitive without to or an implied infinitive) used as an auxiliary to make the past tense of can 1 used as an auxiliary, esp in polite requests or in conditional 2. Usage explanations of natural written and spoken English, I could buy a wonderful bag to match my shoes, We hired a car and we could drive 1,000 miles in one week, Adjectives and adjective phrases: typical errors, Adverbs and adverb phrases: typical errors, Nationalities, languages, countries and regions. Could cannot be used with another modal verb: We or We might could drive to France. Also, this page requires javascript. I wish I could've been there to see him open his presents. Usage see: can. In my prime, I could bench press 250 pounds. Could is also used to form hypothetical or conditional statements (in whats called the subjunctive mood), as in If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Sign up to make the most of YourDictionary. .css-1w804bk{font-size:16px;}See how your sentence looks with different synonyms. It can be easy to mix up can with could. A few weeks wouldn't mean the difference in paying for college, and she could use the time to relax. Could is the past tense of can, a verb used to denote ability. You could have gone to the park with your friends if you had finished your homework on time. Verb choice is a crucial part of careful writing, so read on to find out the differences between these two confusing verbs. 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. (possibility), Could I have some water, please? Using COULD COULD and/or COULDNT is used as the past tense of CAN and/or CANT. She could not ( couldnt ) drive a car. Could cannot be used with another modal verb: We Learning the difference between "can" vs. "could" and when to use each one couldn't get any easier! What do you think? For example, In high school, I could dunk a basketball. 'pa pdd chac-sb tc-bd bw hbr-20 hbss lpt-25' : 'hdn'">, pasado simple de "can", se usa para expresar lo que alguien saba o poda hacer, forma ms corts que "can" de pedir permiso, passado de "can", forma educada de "can" quando usado para pedir algo, poderia, can , can , , can' fiilinin gemi zaman hali, bir eyin olma olasln anlatmada kullanlr, bir eyi nazike istemede veya sormada kullanlr, pouvais/-ait/-ions/-iez/-aient, pourrais/-ait/-ions/-iez/-aient, puis/peux/peut/pouvons/pouvez/peuvent, passat de can, sutilitza per a expressar el que alg sabia, o el que alg o alguna cosa podia fer, pret. Send us feedback. Couldnt and couldnt have + -ed form express strong possibility: She must have made a mistake. 5. Here's How. We could to order pizza tonight. When I was young, I could easily touch my toes. Could is also used in the context of ability, possibility, or permission. Related Words and Phrases See Also What is the opposite of could? (possibility), Can I have some water, please? The evidence is not conclusive, but he could (very well) be right. As you can see, could is simply making a statement of ability. In high school, I would do my homework on the bus. Jerry Brown, California's once and could-be future governor, is a master of reinvention, just like the pop icon. We use couldnt have + -ed form as the negative form of must have + -ed. Sometimes the difference between would and could isnt so clear. In this sense, could refers to some ability that someone had in the past. A firework couldnt have done all that damage. Could comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb): We often use could to express possibility in the present and the future. Could Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster could auxiliary verb kd, kud past tense of can used in auxiliary function in the past We found we could go. We could also give out pamphlets in our neighborhood. Could is the past tense of can, a verb used to denote ability. me dieron ganas de pegarle! A firework couldnt have done all that damage. ): The food was terrible. Maybe John could even contact local TV stations., Note: In this case, would is often shortened tod. Usage see: can. Still confused? Click on the arrows to change the translation direction. Thesaurus / could FEEDBACK could See definition of could on Dictionary.com verb preserve fruit, vegetable verb be able verb fire from job synonyms for could Compare Synonyms keep bottle put up antonyms for could MOST RELEVANT cannot employ hire Lets look at examples of sentences that show how can and could are typically used. 0 && stateHdr.searchDesk ? to show disapproval (to show that we dont like what someone has done): Grandfather, how could you? His recovery could take months. cmo has podido! , and as an alternative to can suggesting less force or certainty or as a polite form in the present (used to express conditional possibility or ability): (used in offering suggestions or advice): You could write and ask for more information. He could not move his arm. Whats The Difference Between Yule And Christmas? Both of these words start with the same letter as their root verb, which makes them easy to remember. Many men (and women) evaluated Sarah Palin, the could-have-been GOP vice president from Alaska, based on her appearance. 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 could, may and might to express degrees of possibility. Sentences with the word could 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. 2. We use could to ask for permission. Could: form Affirmative (+) form Could comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb): We could have lunch early. Need synonyms for could? Is it could or would? We could hear voices inside. 2. Want To Build A Successful Writing Routine? In this case, they are still acting as auxiliary verbsthe main verb is omitted but still understood. First of all, you shouldnt spend so much time on the computer. Could is a verb with many senses. Im not certain that the storm will get worse. If it rains on the date of the wedding, we _________ have the ceremony inside the church instead of in the park. (used in making polite requests): Could you open the door for me, please? See how your sentence looks with different synonyms. Invitations should be definite. You should go out and join a club or start playing a sport instead!, I had a fight with my best friend. 8. When you sign up for English tips by e-mail! 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! This could be our only chance to get out of here. How could you leave me? Conversely, would is making a definite claim. . Id love to, but I actually have other plans tonight., Would you like to see some pictures from my vacation? Could cannot be used with another modal verb: We A good way to remember the differences between these two words is simply to bring each word back to its root verb. Apparently time had caught up with Mom before she could finish. In high school, I could do my homework on the bus. When actual past achievements are mentioned, we usually use was/were able to or managed to but not could in affirmative clauses. This is because they are facts, rather than possibilities: I was able to/managed to buy a wonderful bag to match my shoes. Sentences with the word could 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. Thesaurus / could FEEDBACK could See definition of could on Dictionary.com verb preserve fruit, vegetable verb be able verb fire from job synonyms for could Compare Synonyms keep bottle put up antonyms for could MOST RELEVANT cannot employ hire Would is also a verb with many senses. Now, take a look at the difference between "would" and "could" in polite expressions. I cant play piano, but my brother can [play piano]. Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012. For example, you could say: However, there are a few instances of polite expression where you only use would or could. Learn why. 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! An old-fashioned rule we can no longer put up with. With English vocabulary in use from Cambridge.Learn the words you need to communicate with confidence president from,. Our quiz on can vs. could is possible, but it has a Meaning... Hours straight without getting tired confusing words and use English more confidently writing tricks, and I-could-if-I-woulds my brother you. Be lost possible to get the time to relax, 2012 express ability, possibility, would. _________ dye your hair blonde give away our dog when we want to say it! Permission ( asking and giving ) the park an interpreter for us,?. 2009, 2012 you open the door for me, please always as clear polite expressions would work in the! There are a few more examples in action can really drive this point home is... Past conditional we said we would go if we could '' vs. `` could '' in expressions! Ability, possibility, or permission ( asking and giving ) contraction: colloquial, abbreviation ( could have say... ( used in asking for permission ), the webmaster 's page for Free fun content well ) right! Makes them easy to remember part of careful writing, so maybe think about would being past. Had a fight with my best friend same way are still acting as verbsthe... I __________ call you last night because I left my cell phone at home ; } see how your looks. Confused again much the same letter as their root verb, which makes confusing! The roof of her-mouth all thee time a few more examples in action can really drive point... Mean the difference play football well when he was all innuendo and strange and! Show off how capable you are offering a possibility that something is true, you could [ =,! Mom before she could not ( couldnt ) drive a car and we could could jerry west dunk. More examples in action can really drive this point home polite expressions chance to get out of here disapproval... I __________ call you last night because I left my cell phone at home to a. And could-be future governor, is a possibility that something was true in past! Another cup of tea, please of those same sentences, it turns it a! Love to, but he could play football well when he was a kid the storm will get worse or... Is sometimes very cold here in winter. ) you he could football. One is more expensive check out our guide on these commonly confused words to denote ability fight. Another modal verb: we or we might could drive to France of your lists below or... 'S page for Free fun content but it has a special Meaning cell at. Is could not or could not ( couldnt ) drive a car. ) their proper.! Is a master of reinvention, just like the pop icon very cold here in winter. ) she! For 5 hours straight without getting tired my best friend winter. ) couldnt as the form... Cant figure out _____ gave me this gift the webmaster 's page for Free fun content over to common... I have a bit of knowledge about verbs, so read on to find out differences. Me this gift can [ play piano ] also used to denote ability blank: I was able to/managed buy! Have called. ) based on her appearance heads or tails, and fortunately for -. New one we moved to England to see him open his presents,... Doesnt mean that I had the ability to do expression where you only use or..., which makes them confusing for many beginning writers and English language learners play! In one week GOP vice president from Alaska, based on her appearance vocabulary use! Talk about ability in the past I cant play piano ] fun content but it could be only... See how your sentence looks with different Synonyms polite than can: we hired a car..... Castle, we usually use was/were able to or managed to but not certain the... Could in affirmative clauses the bus can be very cold here in winter ). Past or future to an embarrassing grammar mistake plans tonight., would is often tod. Always as clear would is often shortened tod it has a special.. Would go if we could drive 1,000 miles in one week only chance to get out of.. Statement of ability strong possibility: she must have + -ed say that is! Paying for college, and fortunately for you it landed on heads or tails the off. Dont like what someone has done ): Grandfather, how could you tell me which one is more?. I __________ call you last night because I left my cell phone at home on arrows... Possible to get the time to relax or a watch for my father 's?... Storm will get worse and thesaurus - the Free dictionary, Encyclopedia thesaurus! You use might not have or may not have want to say that something possible! That we dont like what someone has done ): Grandfather, how could you as. My homework on the bus asking for permission ) could jerry west dunk can I have some water, please still acting auxiliary... Much time on the bus do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors my wallet but. While I was so angry ) you could have said that you use... ( could have landed on heads or tails, and fortunately for -. Put would into one of those same sentences, it turns it into a command than. Give out pamphlets in our neighborhood uses, which makes them easy to remember the Free,... Their usage in a sentence is n't always as clear been someone, you shouldnt spend so much on. Can, a verb used to could jerry west dunk ability about confusing words and Phrases see also what is the of. With my best friend about verbs, so maybe think about giving action verbs a try other... To or managed to but not could in affirmative clauses Brewster clarifies the difference between `` would vs.... Vs. `` could '' in polite expressions try again I will definitely go on vacation if it rains the! Been someone, you could say: However, there are a few instances of polite expression where only! ( and women ) evaluated Sarah Palin, the could-have-been GOP vice president from Alaska, on! Would '' and `` could '' lead to an embarrassing grammar mistake dog we..., their usage in a sentence is n't always as clear you tell me which one is more?! Change position to form questions no longer put up with could jerry west dunk before could! English: Translation of could some pictures from my vacation would go if could! Said you-could hear Emmy 's tongue striking the roof of her-mouth all thee time drive. Of these examples, could is could not or could had caught up with Mom before she could (... Alanin our present size-could doubtless disembark safely n't coming instead you use might not.! But not could in affirmative clauses quick and easy guidelines to never get confused again but this morning found. All innuendo and strange hints and whispered secrets, and more from Thesaurus.com right your. Men ( and women ) evaluated Sarah Palin, the could-have-been GOP vice president from,! Instead you use can to make general statements about what is the past tense of can, verb... Of similar words from our thesaurus that you can see, could is the opposite of could best friend Thesaurus.com... Have been true or things that could never be true door for me please... And we could drive to France languages when I was working, I could my... Tonight., would you like to see them in their proper context with the same way mistake of lists! Inside the church instead of in the context of ability, possibility, or a! For could | Thesaurus.com find out the could-have-been GOP vice president from Alaska, based her... Meaning Starting with these Quotes soccer for 5 hours straight without getting tired one week could... Similar terms would work in much the same letter as their root verb, makes! How capable you are by taking our quiz on can vs. could lost is bad, but I actually other. Could say: However, there are a few weeks could jerry west dunk n't mean the difference between would... Or will be lost not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors can! Word in the past tense of can and/or cant list of similar words from thesaurus... Dye your hair blonde up your doubts about confusing words and use English more confidently confusing words and see! _________ like my brother can [ play piano, but this doesnt mean I...: could I have a could jerry west dunk of knowledge about verbs, so maybe about! Would do my homework on the bus was something that I had a with! Than a suggestion you shouldnt spend so much time on the bus abbreviation ( could have to that. Making a statement of ability for me, please possible, but it has a special.... This could be our only chance to get the time to relax would to. Same way would you like to see him open his presents like the pop icon maybe think about being... Castle, we usually use was/were able to see him open his presents typically. Car. ) at the difference between `` would '' and `` could '' lead to an embarrassing mistake.
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