Definition of could modal verb in oxford advanced learner's dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more. The negative form of could is could not or couldn't.

Recommended for you

Could i borrow your pen? Could we see her now, please? Could i have some more pudding? Could i use your bathroom, please? Could i leave the children with you this morning? Please could you explain why you're so late. If you could get that report.

Could i leave the children with you this morning? Please could you explain why you're so late. If you could get that report. Master the word could in english: We use could have to say that someone had the ability or opportunity to do something, but did not do it: She could have learned swahili, but she didn't want to. 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.

She could have learned swahili, but she didn't want to. 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.