could

English

Alternative forms

• cou’d (obsolete)

Etymology

From Middle English coude, from Old English cuþ, preterite form of cunnan (“to be able”). The addition of the silent 'l' was likely a misappropriation attempting to normalize with modal verbs will/would and shall/should. However, while the letter l was historically pronounced in the latter two, can never did have an l sound in it.

Pronunciation

• IPA: /kʊd/, X-SAMPA: /kUd/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

• Rhymes: -ʊd

Verb

could

1. Simple past of can.
   1. Used as a past indicative.

      Before I was blind, I could see very well.

   2. Used as a past subjunctive (irrealis).

      I think he could do it if he really wanted to.

      I wish I could fly!

2. Used to politely ask for permission to do something.

   Could I borrow your coat?

3. Used to politely ask for someone else to do something.

   Could you proofread this email?

4. Used to show the possibility that something might happen.

   We could rearrange the time if you like.

5. Used to suggest something.

   You could try adding more salt to the soup.

Derived terms

• could've
• couldn't (negative form of could)
• couldst (archaic second-person of could)

Related terms

• can
• should
• would

See also

• Appendix:English tag questions

Statistics

• Most common English words before 1923: what · do · has · #62: could · our · than · some

Anagrams

• cloud