P4 - Modals (could) for expressing ability, request, permission, possibility

subject + could + main verb

Can you use modal verb?

 Use - Could does not change

Remember: Could cannot be used with to

• I could to swim 


• I could swim

We can use 'Could' to talk about the past, the present or the future.

'Could' is a past form of 'can'

• When I was living in London, I could walk to work.


• Peter called  to say he couldn't come.

Instead of using 'Can' we can use 'Could' to make polite requests.

• Could you tell me where the nearest bank is?


• Could I borrow some money?


• Could you take this?

We use 'could' to reply but meaning we don't want to really do it.

• I could give you hand if you want.


• I could take you if it's really urgent but I'm really busy right now.

'Could' is used to talk about possibility or past ability

• It could rain later


• I could eat at home.


• I could speak 6 languages.

Used with hypothetical or conditional force

• If we could help, we would

We use could (positive) and couldn't (negative)

Click here to watch a video with the word 'could'