could
Translation
could
Examples
When I was young, I could run fast.
When I was young, I could run fast.
Could you please pass the salt?
Could you please pass the salt?
It could rain later today.
It could rain later today.
Grammar Patterns
((sb./sth.)) could ((verb)) past ability I could swim when I was five.
Could ((sb.)) ((verb))? polite request Could you help me?
((sb./sth.)) could ((verb)) possibility It could be true.
Similar Words
Synonyms: might, may; Antonyms: couldn't
Etymology
From Old English 'cuðe,' past tense of 'cunnan' (to be able). The 'l' was added in the 15th-16th centuries by analogy with 'would' and 'should'.
Memory Tips
Think of 'could' as the past tense of 'can', but also as a softer, more polite, or more uncertain version of 'can'.