could
/kəd
/ /kʊd /modal verb
1 past of can1.So I had to learn every aspect as much as I could, in order to get through it and make it....
- We could hear the clear belling from inside the patch of forest in the valley.
- How did you go about putting that into words so you could file a sensible report to camera?
1.1Used to indicate possibility: they could be right I would go if I could afford it...
- There is also the possibility that it could be used to re-examine unsolved crimes.
- One possibility is that he could be sent abroad, but in practice this rarely happens.
- There will be a possibility that police could give advice to members of the public in the room.
1.2Used in making suggestions or polite requests: you could always ring him up could I use the phone?...
- We had a letter to say they had not received the form and could I make a request for a new one.
- Where did you find the information that you used to write it, and could you suggest a few books for me?
- I would be grateful if any readers could tell me more.
1.3Used to indicate annoyance because of something that has not been done: they could have told me!
1.4Used to indicate a strong inclination to do something: he irritates me so much that I could scream
Usage
For a discussion on the use of could of instead of could have, see have (usage).