could
11 ENTRIES FOUND:
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Learner's definition of COULD
[modal verb]
1
— used as the past tense of can
- When I was younger I could run fast, but I can't run fast now.
- Years ago you could buy a record album for a quarter.
- The car cost more than I could afford, so I bought a cheaper model.
- From where we stood, we could see for miles.
- She could be very rude at times. [=she was sometimes very rude]
- He never could quite fit in with the group.
- She said we could do whatever we wanted. [=she said, “You can do whatever you want.”]
- How could something like this happen?
2
a — used to say that something is possible
- You could [=might, may] be making the biggest mistake of your life!
- This could be our only chance to get out of here.
- His recovery could take months.
- This medicine could help your cold.
- The evidence is not conclusive, but he could (very well) be right.
- This news could mean trouble.
- Did you think he could still be alive?
- That kind of thing could happen to anyone.
- They could still succeed, although it's not likely.
- I think he could be trying to cheat us.
- Do you think he could [=can] really be serious?
- Could this be our ride? [=is this our ride?]
b — used with have to say that something was possible but did not actually happen
- You could have been seriously hurt.
- The accident could have been worse.
- The movie could have been better. [=the movie wasn't very good]
- They could have succeeded if they had worked harder.
- The error could have lost the game for them.
- We could just as easily have fixed the engine ourselves.
c — used to talk about something that is not possible but that is hoped or wished for
- We would go if only we could—but unfortunately we can't.
- We would have gone if only we could have—but unfortunately we couldn't.
- I wish I could fly! = (formal) Would that I could fly!
3
— used in speech to make a polite request or suggestion
- Could you please pass me the salt?
- Could [=Can] I leave a little early today?
- If you could come early, we would be pleased.
- “Could I do it tomorrow instead of today?” “Yes, you can.”
- Could I get you a cup of coffee? [=do you want a cup of coffee?]
- If tape doesn't work, you could try glue.
- “Where can I stay?” “Well, you could always stay with me.”
4
— used to say that you are annoyed by something that was or was not done
- He could have at least paid for dessert!
- Why are you always late? You could try being on time for once!
- If she wasn't going to make it, she could have called.
- You could at least tell me why you were late!
5
— used in statements that express a strong emotional reaction
- I could have died of embarrassment! [=I was very embarrassed]
- I could just kill him! [=I am very angry at him]
- When she told me I'd won, I could almost have hugged her! [=I felt like hugging her]
- I'm so frustrated I could scream! [=I feel like screaming]
6
— used in statements that describe something as very bad, good, etc.
- What could be better than this?
- Registering could not be simpler. [=registering is very simple]
- I could hardly be more pleased [=I'm very pleased] with the way things are going.
- The situation couldn't be worse/better. [=the situation is as bad/good as it can be]
- I couldn't be happier [=I'm very happy] with the way our new kitchen looks.
could care less
could do with
◊ If you could do with something, you need it or would be helped by getting or having it.
- Is there a restaurant nearby? I could do with something to eat.
- This room could do with a fresh coat of paint.
Comments & Questions
Comments & Questions
What made you want to look up could? Include any comments and questions you have about this word.
