Grammar - Modal Verb "Could"

Modal Verb Could

 1. Uses of "Could":

- Ability in the past: "Could" is used to talk about abilities someone had in the past.

  - Example: "She could swim when she was five."

- Permission in the past: "Could" can also be used to ask for or give permission in the past.

  - Example: "When I was a child, I could stay up late on weekends."

- Possibility or suggestions: "Could" is used to suggest something or talk about possibilities.

  - Example: "We could go to the park this weekend."

- Politeness or requests: "Could" is a more polite way to ask for something.

  - Example: "Could you please pass the salt?"

 

 2. Affirmative Form:

  - Subject + Could + Verb (base form) + Complement.

  - Example: "He could play the guitar when he was younger."

 

- Negative Form:

  - Subject + Could + Not (Couldn't) + Verb (base form) + Complement.

  - Example: "They couldn't come to the party last night."

 

- Interrogative Form:

  - Could + Subject + Verb (base form) + Complement?

  - Example: "Could you help me with my homework?"

 

 3. Example Sentences:

 

- Affirmative:

  - "She could read when she was four."

  - "We could see the mountains from our hotel."

 

- Negative:

  - "He couldn't understand the instructions."

  - "They couldn't finish the project on time."

 

- Interrogative:

  - "Could you open the window, please?"

  - "Could they join us for dinner?"

 

 4. Useful Expressions Using "Could":

- "Could you please...?" - To make a polite request.

  - Example: "Could you please help me with this task?"

- "I could use... " - To express that something would be useful to you.

  - Example: "I could use some help with this project."

- "It could be..." - To suggest a possibility.

  - Example: "It could be a good idea to leave early."

- "You could say that..." - To introduce an opinion or comment.

  - Example: "You could say that she’s very talented."