|
|
- pronunciation:
- kUd
- phrases:
- could do with
- features:
- Grammatical Patterns
| part of speech: |
auxiliary verb |
| definition 1: |
used to express that there was ability to do something in the past, or that an action or state was possible in the past.
She could swim even as a young child.[modal verb + bare infinitive
]
Could you see the stage well from where you were sitting?[modal verb + bare infinitive
]
I couldn't sleep last night because of the noise.[modal verb + bare infinitive
]
He could be very kind at times.[modal verb + bare infinitive
]
|
| definition 2: |
used as a form of "can" in a clause that follows one in which there is a past tense verb being used to report speech or thoughts.
I told him I could drive that truck, but he didn't believe me.[modal verb + bare infinitive
]
I knew you could succeed if you tried.[modal verb + bare infinitive
]
He said he could come and fix it tomorrow. |
| definition 3: |
used in present or future time to talk about some action or state that is possible but not certain (often used in polite requests or offers).
Maybe I could do it tomorrow, but I can't promise right now.[modal verb + bare infinitive
]
Could you help me with this?[modal verb + bare infinitive
]
Could I speak to the doctor, please?[modal verb + bare infinitive
]
I could bring it to you now, if you'd like. |
| definition 4: |
used to express ability or possibility in the present or in the future under the condition that something else were to happen or were true.
If I ordered the parts today, I could fix your car next week.[modal verb + bare infinitive
]
If we made more money, we could live in a better place than this.[modal verb + bare infinitive
]
|
| phrase: |
could do with |
|
|