could

[ kood; unstressed kuhd ]

/ kʊd; unstressed kəd /

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See synonyms for could on Thesaurus.com

auxiliary verb

a simple past tense of can¹.

(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.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of could

First recorded in 1450–1500; alteration of late Middle English coude, coud, Old English cūthe; modern -l- from would¹, should

usage note for could

See care.

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH could

can, could

Words nearby could

cough drop, Coughlin, cough mixture, cough syrup, cough up, could, couldn't, couldn't care less, couldst, coulee, coulibiac

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use could in a sentence

Note: These are only a handful of many aborted could-be classics.
Doomed Passion Projects of Hollywood: The Lost Classics of Stanley Kubrick, Alfred Hitchcock, and More|Marlow Stern|March 28, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Many men (and women) evaluated Sarah Palin, the could-have-been GOP vice president from Alaska, based on her appearance.
Everyday Sexism Creator Laura Bates on Helping Women Speak Out|Anna Klassen|April 9, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Is this year's Sundance sales frenzy a direct result of last year's little-movie-that-could?
The 'Winter's Bone' Effect|Nicole LaPorte|January 29, 2011|DAILY BEAST
Jerry Brown, California's once and could-be future governor, is a master of reinvention, just like the pop icon.
The Madonna of Politics|Lloyd Grove|March 15, 2010|DAILY BEAST

That ugly fellow who swore at me the day before was in the boat, and I c-could understand him.
Ben Comee|M. J. (Michael Joseph) Canavan
And Glora and Alan—in our present size-could doubtless disembark safely.
Astounding Stories, March, 1931|Various
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!
Saint's Progress|John Galsworthy
He was all innuendo and strange hints and whispered secrets, and I-could-if-I-woulds.
Nights|Elizabeth Robins Pennell
Anthony said you-could hear Emmy's tongue striking the roof of her-mouth all thee time.
The Tree of Heaven|May Sinclair

British Dictionary definitions for could

could

/ (kʊd) /

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 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 actionyou could take the car tomorrow if it's raining

(often foll by well) used as an auxiliary to indicate a possibilityhe could well be a spy

Word Origin for could

Old English cūthe; influenced by would, should; see can 1

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Idioms and Phrases with could

could

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

could

Origin of could

usage note for could

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH could

Words nearby could

Words related to could

How to use could in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for could

Word Origin for could

Other Idioms and Phrases with could