can
auxiliary verb
to be able to; have the ability, power, or skill to.
had could
-
past perfectof can.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
She had could not, however, escape her obligation to testify after Judge Arthur Engoron rejected her appeal.
From BBC ● Nov. 7, 2023
Wheeler was left stunned that anyone who’d been through what Phillips had could stand before him just months later and express any sense of optimism about life.
From Seattle Times ● Oct. 31, 2023
I knew the power I had could be tamed by the family.
From Washington Post ● Apr. 14, 2023
The best date I ever had could have been the worst.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 8, 2021
It ran faster than any computer she’d ever had, could access satellites or Hephaestus-TV broadcasts from Mount Olympus, and ran custom-made programs that could do just about anything except tie shoelaces.
From "The Mark of Athena" by Rick Riordan
