COULD definition: 1. past simple of "can", used to talk about what someone or something was able or allowed to do…. Learn more. 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 about the modal verbs can and could and do the exercises to practise using them.

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Definition of could modal verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more. "Could" is a modal verb used to express possibility or past ability as well as to make suggestions and requests. "Could" is also commonly used in conditional sentences as the conditional form of "can." COULD definition: a simple past tense of can. See examples of could used in a sentence. Learn 8 expert ways to use could in Englishβ€”past abilities, polite requests, regrets, and moreβ€”with real examples and clear practice tips. could (kŏŏd; unstressed kΙ™d), v. a pt. of can 1. auxiliary verb. (used to express possibility): I wonder who that could be at the door. That couldn't be true. (used to express conditional possibility or ability): You …

could (kŏŏd; unstressed kΙ™d), v. a pt. of can 1. auxiliary verb. (used to express possibility): I wonder who that could be at the door. That couldn't be true. (used to express conditional possibility or ability): You …

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