How to use could in a sentence. Could is a modal verb used to express possibility or past ability as well as to make suggestions and requests Past simple of can, used to talk about what someone or something was able or allowed to do…
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We use could have to say that someone had the ability or opportunity to do something, but did not do it
She could have learned swahili, but she didn't want to.
Could is also used to talk about ability in the present, but it has a special meaning If you say that someone could do something, you mean that they have the ability to do it, but they don't in fact do it. Learn the difference between can vs Could and how to use each of them in a sentence, with examples of each word used correctly.
Conditional of can used as a past subjunctive (contrary to fact) I think he could do it if he really wanted to I wish i could fly I'd have thought you could have done the dishes, at least.
A simple past tense of can.
See examples of could used in a sentence. Learn 8 expert ways to use could in english—past abilities, polite requests, regrets, and more—with real examples and clear practice tips. Definition of could modal verb in oxford advanced learner's dictionary Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.