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

What was missing until now was a clear picture of how spermine influences the harmful processes in nerve cells in a way that could be used for medical benefit.

Read more on Science Daily

“Luckily, with the money raised, I was able to take a year and get myself physically as good as I could be,” Wilhite said, “before I went back to work.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The Met Office has warned that western and northern Scotland could be battered by winds gusting to 75mph.

Read more on BBC

If Liverpool aren't careful, we could be headed for relegation this season.

Read more on BBC

However, some mental health advocates say it may cut children off from connections with peers, while others say it could push youngsters to even-less-regulated corners of the internet.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• commit 
• manage 
• take care of