could

[ kood; unstressed kuhd ]

auxiliary verb

1. a simple past tense of can ¹.
2. (used to express possibility):

   I wonder who that could be at the door. That couldn't be true.

3. (used to express conditional possibility or ability):

   You could do it if you tried.

4. (used in making polite requests):

   Could you open the door for me, please?

5. (used in asking for permission):

   Could I borrow your pen?

6. (used in offering suggestions or advice):

   You could write and ask for more information. You could at least have called me.

could

/ kʊd /

verb

1. used as an auxiliary to make the past tense of can 1
2. used as an auxiliary, esp in polite requests or in conditional sentences, to make the subjunctive mood of can 1

   she'd telephone if she could

   could I see you tonight?

3. used as an auxiliary to indicate suggestion of a course of action

   you could take the car tomorrow if it's raining

4. often foll by well used as an auxiliary to indicate a possibility

   he could well be a spy

Usage Note

See care.

Word History and Origins

Origin of could¹

First recorded in 1450–1500; alteration of late Middle English coude, coud, Old English cūthe; modern -l- from would ¹, should

Word History and Origins

Origin of could¹

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

Idioms and Phrases

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

Example Sentences

“If we could have a significant reduction in extraction, like 25% to 30%, it would make a huge difference for our ecosystems up here.”

From Los Angeles Times

"What if I’d heard him going out the door - could I have stopped him?" she said.

From BBC

This potential scandal is in its infancy, but it could go on to seriously undermine the Prime Minister’s position.

From BBC

During the inquest, at Crook in County Durham, the coroner heard an air ambulance could have been sent to the scene earlier, but this did not happen.

From BBC

Steve’s and my online profiles could not have been more dissimilar.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• commit
• manage
• take care of