COULD – Modal Verb

COULD – MODAL VERB – USES: 

COULD is a modal verb (called « modal »).
Modals are used before ordinary verbs.
« COULD » can be used to talk about the past, the present or the future.
Uses : Ability, Past form of CAN, with senses verbs, action not realistic, polite request,

1/ COULD = « ability ».

Could you do that? Yes, I could.

2/ COULD = possibility (in theory).

Here, could = might, with a similar meaning
It could rain later. Children, take the umbrella please.
He could be here.
He could be right.
Do you think it could be true?
It could be John’s car.

3/ COULD = past form of CAN. (sometimes).

I live in campaign, I can see cows. When I was living in campaign, I could see cows.
I live in town, I can go to work by bus. When I was living in town, I could go to work by bus.
With the traffic, he’s late, he can’t come. With the traffic, he was late, and couldn’t come.
She phoned to say she couldn’t come. I couldn’t see the robber, it was the night, and dark.

4/ COULD specially with sense verbs: feel, hear, see, smell, taste,

He could reach the light-house, and was saved.
I couldn’t hear her, so we stopped the talk on by skype.

5/ COULD about action who are not realistic:

I can do a realistic action (with can).
I couldn’t do a realistic action (so, we use could).

6/ COULD with remember, understand:

Could you remember this girl?
Could you understand me?

7/ COULD = to make a polite request. (as CAN, but COULD is better and more polite).

Could I have a seat? Could I bother you for a moment please?
Could you help me, please? Could you lend me some money? I need cash.

Could you help me?
Yes, I can. => You agree the request! (Answer with CAN)
Yes, I could. => You don’t agree the request! (Answer with COULD) (you don’t want to do it).
Of course, I can help you! (You agree the request).
I could help you if you need, but I’ve a lot of work, you know? (You don’t agreee the request).

INTERROGATIVE FORM: COULD + Subject + Verb:

Could you do that?

NEGATIVE FORM: COULD NOT (couldn’t): 

I could not see him (I couldn’t see him).
I couldn’t do that.
There are two negative forms: couldn’t or could not.
Use could not when you write, couldn’t (contracted form) when you speak!

When we use COULD in a question:

is used to ask the permission to somebody.

Could I open the window?

when you ask to somebody some help.

Could you tell me where is the train station, please?

 

ENGLISH CAN COULD and TO BE ABLE TO: