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could

KUUD/kʊd/

7 meanings of could

Practice

  1. 1
    possibleverb
    Used to say something is possible, or might happen.

    It could rain later, so take an umbrella.

    Don't worry, that noise could be the cat upstairs.

    UsageSay could be or could happen; for the past, could have been.

    Similarmight, may

    Note
  2. 2
    was ableverb
    The past form of can, meaning 'was able to'.

    Before the accident, I could run for miles.

    When I was young, everybody could find a job.

    UsageUse could for general ability (I could swim); for one success, say managed to.

    Note
  3. 3
    contrary to factverb
    Used for an ability or chance that would exist only if things were different, as in 'if only I could'.

    If it weren't raining, we could play outside.

    With a bigger kitchen, I could cook for the whole family.

    UsageOften after if or wish: I wish I could.

    Note
  4. 4
    offer an optionverb
    Used to suggest something that someone might try or do.

    You could try adding more salt.

    We could always take the bus.

    UsageSay you could try... to suggest something gently.

    Similarmight

Less common meanings

  1. 5
    asking a favorverb
    Used to ask for something politely, as in 'Could you help me?' or 'Could I come in?'

    Excuse me, could you tell me where the bus stop is?

    Could you pass the bread, please?

    UsageCould you...? is more polite than Can you...?

    Similarwould, can

  2. 6
    what-ifsnouncountable
    Something that could happen in other circumstances, used as a noun.

    Forget the coulds and focus on what is.

    There are too many coulds in this plan and not enough wills.

    Note
  3. 7
    verb
    In Geordie speech, the past participle of can, as in 'I haven't could sleep'.
    I haven't could sleep.
    1981, Anthony Warner, English Auxiliaries: Structure and History

could is a form of can

can, verb: To be able to do something or know how to do it. Full entry

Forms
can also he/she/itcanning -ing formcould past tensecanned past participle
Spelling
can → could: irregular (no -ed)

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of could apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

It comes from Old English cūþe, the past form of cunnan, meaning "to be able." The letter -l- was added in the early 1500s to match should and would.

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 4 facts