We use could have to say that someone had the ability or opportunity to do something, but did not do it: She could have learned Swahili, but she didn't want to.

We use could to refer to single events that happened in the past, with verbs of the senses (smell, taste, see, hear, touch, etc.) and mental processes (think, believe, remember, understand etc.):

The meaning of COULD is —used in auxiliary function in the past, in the past conditional, and as an alternative to can suggesting less force or certainty or as a polite form in the present. How to use …

Could : ce qu'il faut retenir « Could » est idéal pour parler au passé, être poli ou parler au conditionnel. Il est très utilisé au quotidien, notamment pour parler à des personnes que nous ne connaissons pas …

Definition of could modal verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Vous voulez apprendre à utiliser le verbe modal could ? Découvrez ici tout un monde d'exercices et d'exemples pour vous aider à le faire.

'Could' is a modal auxiliary verb used to express possibility, ability, or permission in the past. It plays a significant role in conveying various meanings depending on context, such as suggesting …

You use could to talk about a possibility, ability, or opportunity that depends on other conditions. Their hope was that a new and better East Germany could be born.

Apr 9, 2025 · Learn 8 expert ways to use could in English—past abilities, polite requests, regrets, and more—with real examples and clear practice tips.

"Could" is a modal verb used to express possibility or past ability as well as to make suggestions and requests. "Could" is also commonly used in conditional sentences as the conditional form of "can."