You see the word “could” everywhere. In books. In movies. When people talk. But using it right? That’s tricky sometimes.
Don’t worry though. It’s easy once you get it.
Could help you say what was possible. What you were able to do. Or ask for things nicely. It’s like can, will, would, and should (they’re all modal verbs, helper words).
Let’s learn step by step. With examples you’ll actually use.
What Does Could Mean?
Could mean different things depending on what you’re saying.
It shows:
• Past ability – stuff you could do before
• Possibility – stuff that might happen
• Polite requests – asking nicely
• Conditional situations – the “what if” stuff
Let’s look at each one.
Could for Ability in the Past
Use could to talk about what you could do before. It’s the past of can.
How it works: Subject + could + base verb
Examples:
• I could run fast when I was young.
• She could read before school started.
• We could see mountains from our house.
• He could swim across the river easily.
• They could finish work in two days.
See? Could be perfect for past ability.
But wait. For one specific time (not general ability), use “was able to” or “managed to.”
Like this:
• I could swim as a kid. (general)
• I was able to swim across the lake yesterday. (one time)
Could for Possibility
Could also show something might happen. Not for sure though.
How it works: Subject + could + base verb
Examples:
• It could rain later.
• This idea could work.
• She could be home now.
• They could arrive soon.
• We could win if we try hard.
These don’t promise anything. Just maybe.
Works for past and future too:
• He could have been hurt. (past maybe)
• The train could be late. (future maybe)
Could for Polite Requests
Want to ask nicely? Use could. It’s softer than can.
How it works: Could + subject + base verb
Examples:
• Could you pass the salt please?
• Could I use your pen?
• Could we sit here?
Nice ways to ask for help, right?
Compare:
Can you pass the salt? (okay)
Could you pass the salt? (nicer)
Could for Suggestions or Advice
Give ideas with could. It’s gentle.
How it works: Subject + could + base verb
Examples:
• You could go to the park today.
• We could try that new place.
• You could call her and say sorry.
• He could study more for better grades.
• They could take a taxi instead.
Here, it could mean “good idea, but you choose.”
Could in Conditional Sentences
Could work great for “what if” situations.
How it works: Subject + could + base verb + if + condition
Examples:
• I could help if I had time.
• She could buy that if she saved money.
• We could travel if we got the visa.
• They could win if they practiced.
• You could understand if you listened.
So it could mean “possible, but only if…”
Could Have + Past Participle
Could have talked about past chances you missed.
How it works: Subject + could have + past participle
Examples:
• She could have passed if she studied.
• We could have met earlier.
• They could have helped. They didn’t.
• He could have called last night.
Could have = was possible before, didn’t happen.
Could for Permission
Ask or give permission nicely with could.
How it works: Could + subject + base verb
Examples:
• Could I leave early today?
• Could we come in?
• You could use my laptop if you want.
• Could he join us?
• Could you stay longer?
Sounds formal and nice, right?
Could to Show Uncertainty or Doubt
Not sure? Use could.
Examples:
• It could be true. Maybe not.
• She could be tired from the trip.
• This could be his car.
• He could be lying.
• You could be right.
These show maybe yes, maybe no.
Could for Imagining Things
Dream big with could!
Examples:
• I could live in the mountains forever.
• We could buy a beach house someday.
• She could travel everywhere.
• They could start a business.
• You could learn anything with practice.
Could show dreams and future maybe-stuff.
Practice Section
Fill the blanks with could or couldn’t:
- When I was small, I ______ climb trees easily.
- ______ you help me with homework?
- She ______ came. She was sick.
- We ______ go out if it doesn’t rain.
- I ______ have called. My phone died.
- He ______ swam well when young.
- ______ I use your pen?
- We ______ see stars last night.
- You ______ take a taxi. It’s faster.
- They ______ finish before the deadline.
Answers:
- could
- Could
- couldn’t
- could
- could
- could
- Could
- couldn’t
- could
- couldn’t
Common Mistakes with Could
People mess up. Here’s how:
| Wrong | Right |
| I caned swim when young. | I could swim when I was young. |
| I didn’t could go to school. | I couldn’t go to school. |
| Could you to help me? | Could you help me? |
| I could went to the park. | I could go to the park. |
Remember: After could, use the base verb. No to. No -ed.
More Examples of Could Sentences
• She could play piano at ten.
• We could finish by next week.
• They could get a new car.
• He couldn’t remember where his keys were.
• You could come if you’re free.
• Could you open the window please?
• I could have helped if you asked.
• It could snow tonight.
• She could dance all day.
Could vs Can
Know the difference:
| Can | Could |
| now | past or polite |
| I can drive. | I could drive at 16 / Could you help? |
What could does:
• Past ability: I could run fast as a kid
• Possibility: It could rain later
• Polite request: Could you help me?
• Suggestion: You could try again
• Conditional: We could win if we practiced
• Past possibility: He could have come earlier
• Permission: Could I leave early?
• Imagination: We could travel someday
Could be small but does lots. Past stuff. Polite asks. Maybe-things.
Once you practice, it’s easy. You’ll use it without thinking.
• Could you help me please?
• It could rain soon.
• I could run faster before.
Keep practicing. Make your own sentences every day. Soon, you’ll be a pro!