could
Americanauxiliary verb
-
a simple past tense of can.
-
(used to express possibility).
I wonder who that could be at the door. That couldn't be true.
-
(used to express conditional possibility or ability).
You could do it if you tried.
-
(used in making polite requests).
Could you open the door for me, please?
-
(used in asking for permission).
Could I borrow your pen?
-
(used in offering suggestions or advice).
You could write and ask for more information. You could at least have called me.
verb
-
used as an auxiliary to make the past tense of can 1
-
used as an auxiliary, esp in polite requests or in conditional sentences, to make the subjunctive mood of can 1
could I see you tonight?
she'd telephone if she could
-
used as an auxiliary to indicate suggestion of a course of action
you could take the car tomorrow if it's raining
-
(often foll by well) used as an auxiliary to indicate a possibility
he could well be a spy
Usage
See care.
Etymology
Origin of could
First recorded in 1450–1500; alteration of late Middle English coude, coud, Old English cūthe; modern -l- from would 1, should
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The teams could wind up facing each other again in the regional playoffs, but this night was Robinson’s to savor.
From Los Angeles Times
"They may not be able to move to higher ground and therefore could be overwhelmed very quickly by water," he said.
From BBC
Having believed they had booked a lounge where they could eat breakfast after check-in, they ended up having to grab food at the services on the way back to Leicester.
From BBC
Alexandra said she handed him Snickers so she could climb out.
From BBC
The conflict could certainly severely disrupt global oil supplies and send barrel prices soaring to a level not seen in years.
From Barron's
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
