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← Grammar reference

MODALITY

Could

One form for every person, followed by the base verb. Use it for polite requests, suggestions, ability in the past and things that are possible.

Learn this topic Practice all
I / you / he / she / it / we / they
+She could swim
−She couldn't swim
?Could she swim?

No -s after he / she / it: she could · No to: could swim · Short answers: Yes, she could. / No, she couldn't.

A2

Could + base verb

New

Could does not change: no -s after he / she / it. The base verb follows, without to. The negative is couldn't, and the question starts with Could.

subject+ could / couldn't+ base verb

  • He couldn't find his keys.
  • Could she come to the party?
  • She could to find the bank.
  • She could find the bank.

Quick Check

1/4

Type the answer

We hear the music from the street.

A2

Polite requests

New

Use Could you + base verb to ask someone to do something politely. It is more polite than Can you.

Could+ you+ base verb+ …?

  • Could you open the window, please?
  • Could you tell me the time?
  • Could you opened the door?
  • Could you open the door?

Quick Check

1/4

Type the answer

you pass me the salt, please?

A2

Suggestions

New

Use could to suggest something. You could … or We could … means "it is a good idea", but you do not have to do it.

you / we+ could+ base verb

  • We could go to the park.
  • You could ask your teacher.
  • We could going to the park.
  • We could go to the park.

Quick Check

1/4

Choose the form

I need a new phone. – You   the old one.

B1

Ability in the past

New

Use could for what you were able to do in general in the past. For one single success, use was able to or managed to; the negative couldn't works for both.

subject+ could+ base verb+ (general)

  • I could swim when I was five.
  • Yesterday I was able to finish the report.
  • Yesterday I could finish the report.
  • Yesterday I was able to finish the report.

Quick Check

1/4

Type the answer

She speak English when she was six.

B1

Could I … ? for permission

New

Use Could I + base verb to ask for permission politely. In the answer use can: Yes, you can. Do not answer with could.

Could+ I+ base verb+ …?

  • Could I use your phone?
  • Could I sit here?
  • Could I use your phone? – Yes, you could.
  • Could I use your phone? – Yes, you can.

Quick Check

1/4

Type the answer

Could I your pen?

B1

Something that is possible

New

Use could for something that is possible now or in the future. Could is less sure than will and does not take -s or to.

subject+ could+ base verb

  • It could rain tomorrow.
  • This could be the answer.
  • It could rains tomorrow.
  • It could rain tomorrow.

Quick Check

1/4

Put in order

Tap the words in the order of the sentence.