could
could
Pronunciation
/kʊd/.
could:
/k/: voiceless velar stop
/ʊ/: near-close near-back rounded vowel
/d/: voiced alveolar stop
Word Form Variations
Since "could" is a modal verb, it doesn't have the typical word form variations (singular, plural, different tenses) that regular verbs or nouns do.
Modal verbs like "could," "would," "should," "can," "will," "may," "might," and "must" have a unique characteristic: they do not change their form to agree with the subject (e.g., "I could," "he could," "they could"). They also don't have infinitive forms (to could), gerund forms (coulding), or past participle forms (coulded).
Therefore, the only "form" of "could" is could itself. Its function changes based on context (past ability, possibility, polite request, etc.), but its spelling and pronunciation remain the same.
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Part of Speech: Modal Auxiliary Verb
Definitions:
1. Expressing Past Ability:
Definition: Used to indicate an ability or capacity that existed in the past. This often refers to something a person or thing was capable of doing but may or may not have actually done.
Example: "When I was younger, I could run a marathon in under four hours."
Similar Meanings/Phrases: was able to, had the capacity to, knew how to, possessed the skill to.
Opposite Meanings/Phrases: couldn't, was unable to, lacked the ability to, didn't know how to.
2. Expressing Possibility or Likelihood:
Definition: Used to suggest that something is possible or that an event might happen, often less certain than "can." It implies a potential outcome or a hypothetical situation.
Example: "It's cloudy; it could rain later this afternoon." or "If we work together, we could finish this project by tomorrow."
Similar Meanings/Phrases: might, may, possibly, there's a chance, it's conceivable, potentially.
Opposite Meanings/Phrases: couldn't, wouldn't, impossible, no chance, couldn't possibly.
3. Making Polite Requests or Suggestions:
Definition: Used to form a polite or tentative request or suggestion, making it softer and less direct than "can."
Example: "Could you please pass the salt?" or "We could go for a walk in the park if you'd like."
Similar Meanings/Phrases: Would you mind...?, Is it possible to...?, Shall we...?, How about...?
Opposite Meanings/Phrases: (Direct commands, which are not polite requests): Pass the salt!, Go for a walk!
4. Expressing Permission (less common than "can" or "may"):
Definition: Occasionally used to ask for or grant permission, though "can" and "may" are more common for this purpose in contemporary English. When used, it often implies a more tentative or indirect request.
Example: "Could I borrow your pen for a moment?" (asking permission)
Similar Meanings/Phrases: may I, am I allowed to, is it permissible to.
Opposite Meanings/Phrases: you cannot, you may not, you are not allowed to, forbidden.
5. Expressing Conditional Sentences (in the result clause):
Definition: Used in the result clause of a conditional sentence to indicate a possible outcome if a certain condition is met.
Example: "If I had more time, I could help you with your homework."
Similar Meanings/Phrases: would be able to, might be able to.
Opposite Meanings/Phrases: wouldn't be able to, couldn't.
6. Expressing Criticism or Annoyance (often with "at least"):
Definition: Used to express mild criticism, disappointment, or annoyance, often implying that someone should have done something or had the ability to do so.
Example: "You could at least have called to say you'd be late."
Similar Meanings/Phrases: should have, ought to have.
Opposite Meanings/Phrases: (Approval of lack of action)
Examples of Use
Books:
"He could feel the cold wind on his face, even through the thick glass of the spaceship window." (From a science fiction novel)
"If only she could go back in time and change her decision, everything would be different." (From a contemporary fiction novel)
"The detective realized that the smallest detail could unravel the entire mystery." (From a mystery novel)
Newspapers:
"Economists warned that without intervention, the global market could face a significant downturn." (The New York Times)
"Sources close to the negotiations suggested that a breakthrough could be imminent." (The Guardian)
"Local authorities announced new measures that could help alleviate traffic congestion in the city center." (Daily Nation,)
Online Publications:
"Here are five ways you could improve your productivity while working from home." (Lifehacker.com)
"While the new AI model shows promise, experts caution that it could still have unforeseen biases." (Wired.com)
"The latest software update could bring a host of new features to your device, but also some compatibility issues." (TechCrunch.com)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Television Series (Dialogue): "I could tell you what happened, but then I'd have to kill you." (Common trope in action/spy genres, e.g., James Bond series)
Film (Dialogue): "We could try to reason with them, but I doubt they'd listen." (From a drama or action film)
Song Lyrics: "I could have danced all night, and still have begged for more." (From "I Could Have Danced All Night" from My Fair Lady)
Video Game (In-game dialogue/text): "You could search the old ruins for artifacts, but beware of the ancient guardians." (From an RPG game, e.g., The Elder Scrolls)
Podcast (Discussion): "We're discussing how the current political climate could impact the upcoming elections." (From a news/current affairs podcast)
Social Media (Tweet/Post): "Just finished reading an amazing book! Highly recommend, you couldn't put it down." (@BookLover22, Twitter post)
General Public Discourse:
"I could really use a cup of coffee right now." (Everyday conversation, expressing a desire/need)
"Could you please close the door?" (Polite request in a public setting)
"If only I could fly, I'd visit every country in the world." (Expressing a hypothetical wish)
"That new restaurant could be a good place for our anniversary dinner." (Suggesting a possibility)
"My car broke down, so I couldn't make it to the meeting on time." (Explaining a past inability)
10 Famous Quotes Using Could
"I could not love thee, dear, so much, Loved I not honour more." (Richard Lovelace, "To Althea, from Prison")
"If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants." (Often attributed to Isaac Newton, implying "I could see further...")
"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." (Franklin D. Roosevelt, implying "we could fear nothing else")
"I could be bounded in a nutshell and count myself a king of infinite space, were it not that I have bad dreams." (William Shakespeare, Hamlet)
"A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions." (Often attributed to Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr., implying a mind "couldn't" go back)
"We could be heroes, just for one day." (David Bowie, "Heroes")
"I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul." (William Ernest Henley, "Invictus," implying "I could be...")
"You could not step twice into the same river; for other waters are ever flowing on to you." (Heraclitus, as quoted by Plato)
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." (Eleanor Roosevelt, implying that those who believe "could" achieve the future)
"The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing." (Socrates, as quoted by Plato, implying that one "could" not truly know everything)
Etymology
The word "could" has a fascinating history! It actually comes from an Old English word that meant "to know" or "to be able to."
Imagine way back in Old English (the language spoken in England before the Norman Conquest in 1066), there was a verb called "cunnan." This verb originally meant "to know," especially "to know how to do something." It also had the meaning "to have power to" or "to be able."
The past tense of "cunnan" was "cūþe" (pronounced something like "koo-theh"). So, if you wanted to say "I knew how to" or "I was able to," you would have used a form of "cūþe."
Over time, as English evolved into Middle English, "cūþe" changed its spelling to things like "couthe" or "coude." Around the 13th century, we see the first clear uses of "could" with the meaning we largely understand today – referring to past ability.
Here's where it gets a little quirky: in the 15th and 16th centuries, an extra letter "l" was added to the spelling of "could." This "l" wasn't originally there and doesn't affect how the word is pronounced. It was added because "could" looked similar to "would" and "should," which did have a historical "l" in their past forms (even though it's often silent now). So, it was basically an "l" by analogy – "would" and "should" had one, so "could" got one too, even though it wasn't historically justified.
So, the first known use and meaning of "could" (or its ancestor "cūþe") was in Old English, signifying "to know how to" or "to be able to" in the past. This core meaning of past ability is still a primary use of "could" today.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Could
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "could":
Common Phrases & Idioms:
Could do with: To need or benefit from something. (e.g., "I could do with a long nap.")
Could have (done something): To express regret or a missed opportunity for something that was possible but didn't happen. (e.g., "We could have won that game if not for the penalty.")
As fast as one could: To move or act with the maximum possible speed. (e.g., "He ran as fast as he could to catch the bus.")
Couldn't care less: To be completely indifferent; to not care at all. (e.g., "She couldn't care less about what they think.")
Couldn't help but (do something): To be unable to prevent oneself from doing something. (e.g., "I couldn't help but smile when I saw them.")
Couldn't agree more: To agree completely with someone. (e.g., "That's a brilliant idea; I couldn't agree more.")
Could be worse: A response indicating that a situation, while not ideal, is not as bad as it might be. (e.g., "My car broke down, but it could be worse; at least I'm not stranded.")
If I could turn back time: A hypothetical wish to reverse a past event. (e.g., "If I could turn back time, I'd study harder for that exam.")
You could knock me over with a feather: An expression of extreme surprise or shock.
Could barely/hardly: To indicate a minimal ability or near inability to do something. (e.g., "He could barely stand after the long hike.")
Lesser-Known/Original Phrases & Idioms:
Could stand on one's head: To emphasize the willingness to go to great lengths to achieve something. (e.g., "I'd stand on my head if it meant getting that job.")
Could see one's breath: To indicate extremely cold conditions. (e.g., "It was so cold outside, you could see your breath.")
Could be a whole different ballgame: Suggests that a situation has the potential to change drastically. (e.g., "If they get that investment, it could be a whole different ballgame for their startup.")
Could use a good kick in the pants: To express that someone needs motivation or discipline.
Could write a book about it: To indicate having extensive knowledge or experience about a topic, often negative or complex. (e.g., "The challenges of raising teenagers? I could write a book about it.")
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of could from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
