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| Language: | Old English |
| Origin: | cuthe, past tense of cunnan ( CAN1); influenced by should and would |
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could S1 W1
negative short form couldn't
negative short form couldn't1 used as the past tense of 'can' to say what someone was able to do or was allowed to do in the past : 
By the time she was eight, she could read Greek and Latin.In those days you could buy a box of cigars for a dollar. Could you hear what I was saying? I couldn't get tickets after all, they were sold out. I knew I couldn't afford the rent. The teacher said we could all go home.
past ability
By the time she was eight, she could read Greek and Latin.In those days you could buy a box of cigars for a dollar.Could you hear what I was saying?I couldn't get tickets after all, they were sold out.I knew I couldn't afford the rent.The teacher said we could all go home.2
possibility
a) used to say that something is possible or might happen : Most accidents in the home could be prevented. It could be weeks before we get a reply. If you're not careful, you could get into even worse trouble.
Most accidents in the home could be prevented.It could be weeks before we get a reply.If you're not careful, you could get into even worse trouble.b) used to say that something was a possibility in the past, but did not actually happen : Somebody could have been killed. I could have warned you if I had known where you were. He could have escaped, but he chose to stand and fight.
Somebody could have been killed.I could have warned you if I had known where you were.He could have escaped, but he chose to stand and fight.3 used to emphasize how happy, angry etc you are by saying how you want to express your feelings : He irritates me so much I could scream. I was so angry I could have killed her. I was so relieved I could have kissed them all.
emphasizing your feelings
spokenHe irritates me so much I could scream.I was so angry I could have killed her.I was so relieved I could have kissed them all.4 used to make a polite request : Could you help me with these boxes? Could I have a drink of water, please? How about Sam? Could he come along too? I wonder if I could just ask you to sign this.
requesting
spokenCould you help me with these boxes?Could I have a drink of water, please?How about Sam? Could he come along too?I wonder if I could just ask you to sign this.5 used to suggest doing something : You could ask your doctor for a check-up. Maybe we could get together sometime next week? Couldn't you get one of your friends to help you?
suggesting
You could ask your doctor for a check-up.Maybe we could get together sometime next week?Couldn't you get one of your friends to help you?6 used to show that you are annoyed about someone's behaviour : You could have told me you were going to be late (=you should have told me but you did not)! How could you be so stupid!
annoyance
spokenYou could have told me you were going to be late (=you should have told me but you did not)!How could you be so stupid!7 used to emphasize how good, bad etc something is : Their lifestyles couldn't be more different. 'How are things?' 'Fine! Couldn't be better.' Ordering on-line couldn't be simpler.
couldn't be better/worse/more pleased etc
Their lifestyles couldn't be more different.'How are things?' 'Fine! Couldn't be better.'Ordering on-line couldn't be simpler.8 used to politely say that you do not want any more food or drink : 'Would you like another piece of pie?' 'Oh, no thanks, I couldn't.'
I couldn't
British English spoken'Would you like another piece of pie?' 'Oh, no thanks, I couldn't.'
