Dictionary monolingual
English
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.
Could -
Expressing past ability or permission
Example: I could swim when I was younger.
Usage: informalContext: personal anecdotes or casual conversations
Note: Used to talk about general past abilities or permissions.
Expressing a polite request or suggestion
Example: Could you please pass me the salt?
Usage: formalContext: formal requests or polite inquiries
Note: Considered more polite than 'can' in formal situations.
Expressing possibility or uncertainty
Example: It could rain later, so bring an umbrella.
Usage: informalContext: discussing future events or hypothetical situations
Note: Used to indicate a potential outcome or situation.
Expressing a conditional situation
Example: If I had more time, I could help you with your project.
Usage: formalContext: hypothetical scenarios or conditional statements
Note: Used to show what might happen under certain conditions.
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?
I could hear the birds chirping outside my window.
Could you tell me where the nearest post office is?
I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw her perform on stage.
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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