Sekirov Dictionary

could

/kʊd/

verb 6
noun 1
forms 4
phrases 1

verb6

•
being able to do something in a situation that is only imagined or wished for, used before a verb
- I think he could do it if he really wanted to.
- I wish I could fly!
•
Used to show the possibility that something might happen.
- We could rearrange the time if you like.
conditional of can
•
Used to politely ask for someone else to do something.
- Could you proofread this email?
- I wonder, you couldn't loan me the money, could you?
•
Used to politely ask for permission to do something.
- Could I borrow your coat?
•
Used to suggest something.
- You could try adding more salt to the soup.

noun1

•
Something that could happen, or could be the case, under different circumstances; a potentiality.
- When the golf ball is there, the whole self-interference package — the hopes, worries, and fears; the thoughts on how-to and how-not-to; the woulds, the coulds, and the shoulds — is there too. — 1996

forms

could'st · couldest · couldst · coulds

Phrases with could

could not get elected dogcatcher
Said of someone, particularly a politician, who is extremely unpopular.

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