Scribd Logo
Upload

Welcome to Scribd!

  • Modals Could

    Uploaded by

    EnglishTutr
    119 views1 page
    Could is used to talk about ability or possibility in the past, present, or future. It expresses polite requests or theoretical possibilities. Could indicates past ability to do something or suggests unwillingness if used in response to a request. It is similar in meaning to might when discussing theoretical possibilities.

    Original Description:

    Copyright

    © Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)

    Did you find this document useful?

    Is this content inappropriate?

    Report this Document
    Could is used to talk about ability or possibility in the past, present, or future. It expresses polite requests or theoretical possibilities. Could indicates past ability to do something or suggests unwillingness if used in response to a request. It is similar in meaning to might when discussing theoretical possibilities.

    Copyright:

    Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
    Flag for inappropriate content
    119 views1 page

    Modals Could

    Uploaded by

    EnglishTutr
    Could is used to talk about ability or possibility in the past, present, or future. It expresses polite requests or theoretical possibilities. Could indicates past ability to do something or suggests unwillingness if used in response to a request. It is similar in meaning to might when discussing theoretical possibilities.

    Copyright:

    Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
    Flag for inappropriate content
    of 1

    MODALS: COULD

    1. 'Could' can be used to talk about the past, the present or the future. 'Could' is a past form of 'can' When I was living in Boston, I could walk to work. He phoned to say he couldn't come. I could see him clearly but I couldn't hear him and then the videoconference line went dead. 2. 'Could' is used to make polite requests. We can also use 'can' for these but 'could' is more polite. Could you help me, please? Could you lend me some money? Could I have a lift? Could I bother you for a moment? If we use 'could' in reply to these requests, it suggests that we do not really want to do it. If you agree to the request, it is better to say 'can'. Of course I can. I could help you if it's really necessary but I'm really busy right now. I could lend you some money but I'd need it back tomorrow without fail. I could give you a lift as far as Birmingham. 3. 'Could' is used to talk about theoretical possibility and is similar in meaning to 'might'. It could rain later. Take an umbrella. He could be there by now. Could he be any happier? It could be Sarah's. 4. 'Could' is used to express a past physical or mental ability (with this meaning of capability, can/could may be replaced by to be able to): When she was young, she could skate very well. We can/are able to understand him very well. She knew the town well so she could/was able to advise us what to visit, But, when the meaning is that of achievement, to manage to, to succeed in, to be able to and not can/could must be used: I am sure that, if you are attentive, you are able to do such a difficult exercise. Although the driver was badly hurt, he was able to get out of the car before the engine exploded. However, in the negative both could not and was/were not able to are possible: I don't know why William could not/was not able to finish that book.

    You might also like