The meaning of COULD is —used in auxiliary function in the past, in the past conditional, and as an alternative to can suggesting less force or certainty or as a polite form in the present. How to use could in a sentence. Could is also used to talk about ability in the present, but it has a special meaning.

Understanding the Context

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. Definition of could modal verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more. could meaning, definition, what is could: used as the past tense of ‘can’ to say w...: Learn more.

Key Insights

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