Dictionary
English - Dutch
Could
kʊd
Extremely common
0 - 100
0 - 100
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
Kon, Zou kunnen, Zou kunnen zijn, Had kunnen
Could meanings in Dutch
Kon
Example:
I could go to the party if I finish my work.
Ik kon naar het feest gaan als ik mijn werk afmaak.
She could play the piano when she was younger.
Ze kon piano spelen toen ze jonger was.
Usage: Both formal and informalContext: Used to express ability or possibility in the past.
Note: This form is used to indicate that someone had the ability to do something in the past.
Zou kunnen
Example:
We could go to the beach tomorrow if the weather is nice.
We zouden naar het strand kunnen gaan als het weer mooi is.
You could try asking her for help.
Je zou haar om hulp kunnen vragen.
Usage: Both formal and informalContext: Used to suggest a possibility or hypothetical situation.
Note: This construction is often used for suggestions or to express what is possible under certain conditions.
Zou kunnen zijn
Example:
It could be that they are running late.
Het zou kunnen zijn dat ze te laat zijn.
There could be a solution to this problem.
Er zou een oplossing voor dit probleem kunnen zijn.
Usage: FormalContext: Used to indicate uncertainty or speculation.
Note: This form is often used in a more formal context to express what might be true or possible.
Had kunnen
Example:
I could have told you about the meeting.
Ik had je over de vergadering kunnen vertellen.
They could have come to the concert if they wanted to.
Ze hadden naar het concert kunnen komen als ze wilden.
Usage: Both formal and informalContext: Used to express an unrealized possibility in the past.
Note: This form indicates opportunities or abilities that were available in the past but not taken.
Could's synonyms
Can
Can is used to express ability or permission. It is commonly used interchangeably with could in many contexts.
Example: I can speak Spanish fluently.
Note: Can is more direct and present tense compared to could which is more polite or conditional.
Might
Might is used to express possibility or uncertainty. It is similar to could in indicating a chance or potential for something to happen.
Example: She might come to the party if she finishes her work early.
Note: Might is often seen as more tentative or less definite than could.
May
May is used to ask for permission or to express possibility. It can be used similarly to could in polite requests or hypothetical situations.
Example: May I borrow your pen?
Note: May is considered more formal or polite compared to could in certain contexts.
Would
Would is used to make polite requests, offers, or to express hypothetical situations. It can convey a similar sense of possibility or willingness as could.
Example: Would you like some coffee?
Note: Would is often used in more formal or polite contexts compared to could.
Shall
Shall is used to make suggestions, offers, or to seek advice. It can be used similarly to could in proposing an action or seeking agreement.
Example: Shall we go for a walk?
Note: Shall is considered more formal and old-fashioned compared to could in modern English.
Could expressions, common phrases
Could you
Used to make polite requests or ask for permission.
Example: Could you pass me the salt, please?
Note: The phrase 'Could you' is softer and more polite than 'Can you' or 'Will you'.
Could have
Refers to something that was possible in the past but did not happen.
Example: I could have finished the project on time if I had started earlier.
Note: Indicates a missed opportunity or regret about a past action.
Could be
Expresses a possibility or likelihood.
Example: He could be at the library right now.
Note: Implies uncertainty or speculation about a situation.
Could do with
Suggests a need or desire for something.
Example: I could do with a cup of coffee right now.
Note: Conveys a sense of wanting or benefiting from something.
Could care less
Indicates a lack of interest or concern.
Example: I could care less about what others think of me.
Note: Often used sarcastically to emphasize a lack of care.
Could well
Acknowledges a strong possibility or likelihood.
Example: It could well rain this afternoon.
Note: Implies a high probability of something happening.
Could not help
Expresses inability to control a reaction or emotion.
Example: I could not help laughing at his joke.
Note: Suggests a spontaneous or involuntary response.
Could everyday (slang) expressions
Coulda
Informal contraction of 'could have'. Used to indicate a happening in the past that was expected but did not occur.
Example: I coulda sworn I locked the door before leaving.
Note: Informal spoken form of 'could have'.
Cuda
Informal contraction of 'could have'. Common in casual spoken language.
Example: She cuda told me earlier about the party.
Note: Informal spoken form of 'could have'.
Cud
Informal contraction of 'could'. Used in casual conversations or text messaging.
Example: I cud have done better on that test.
Note: Informal spoken form of 'could'.
Cudve
Informal contraction of 'could have'. Used to express a possibility that was not realized.
Example: He cudve easily passed the exam with proper preparation.
Note: Informal spoken form of 'could have'.
Could - Examples
Could you please pass me the salt?
Zou je me alsjeblieft het zout kunnen aangeven?
I could hear the birds chirping outside my window.
Ik kon de vogels buiten mijn raam horen fluiten.
Could you tell me where the nearest post office is?
Zou je me kunnen vertellen waar het dichtstbijzijnde postkantoor is?
I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw her perform on stage.
Ik kon mijn ogen niet geloven toen ik haar op het podium zag optreden.
Could grammar
Could - Auxiliary (Auxiliary) / Modal (Modal)
Lemma: could
Conjugations
Syllables, Separation and Stress
Could Contains 1 syllables: could
Phonetic transcription: kəd
could , kəd (The red syllable is stressed)
Could - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
Could: 0 - 100 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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