could

[kood, kuhd]

auxiliary verb

1. a simple past tense of can.

2. (used to express possibility).

   I wonder who that could be at the door. That couldn't be true.

3. (used to express conditional possibility or ability).

   You could do it if you tried.

4. (used in making polite requests).

   Could you open the door for me, please?

5. (used in asking for permission).

   Could I borrow your pen?

6. (used in offering suggestions or advice).

   You could write and ask for more information. You could at least have called me.

could

/ kʊd /

verb

1. used as an auxiliary to make the past tense of can 1

2. 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

3. used as an auxiliary to indicate suggestion of a course of action

   you could take the car tomorrow if it's raining

4. (often foll by well) used as an auxiliary to indicate a possibility

   he could well be a spy

Usage

See care.

Word History and Origins

Origin of could¹

First recorded in 1450–1500; alteration of late Middle English coude, coud, Old English cūthe; modern -l- from would ¹, should

Word History and Origins

Origin of could¹

Old English cūthe; influenced by _would , should; see _can ¹

Idioms and Phrases

see can (could) do with; see with half an eye, could. Also see under can; couldn't.

Example Sentences

He added that the rules could cause a U.S. recession if implemented aggressively because of how important AI capital spending is to the economy.

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Some argue that a criminal case against Rinderknecht could ultimately hurt residents’ civil complaints.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“We did everything that we could do,” he said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He made it crystal clear that England's star system was over, that players in possession could cement their places by sheer weight of performances, the biggest names no longer guaranteed an automatic recall.

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So, could they really be preparing for war, the effects of climate change, or some other catastrophic event the rest of us have yet to know about?

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• commit 
• manage 
• take care of