could jerry west dunk

by

could jerry west dunk

This could be our only chance to get out of here. We use could have + -ed form to talk about possibility in the past: They could have taken a taxi home instead of walking and getting wet. Here's a list of similar words from our thesaurus that you can use instead. They could be at home. If you want to say that it is impossible that something was true, you use could not have. Also see under can; couldn't. Could is more formal and polite than can: We dont use could to give or refuse permission. When actual past achievements are mentioned, we usually use was/were able to or managed to but not could in affirmative clauses. It was stuck. Yesterday, I couldnt find my wallet anywhere but this morning I found it. 8. If you want to say that someone had the ability to do something but did not in fact do it, you say that they could have done it. Verb Expressing a present possibility Verb Used to express a request where voluntary compliance is expected Find more words! 1. could modal verb (SHOULD) used for saying, especially angrily, what you think someone else should do: Well, you could try to look a little more enthusiastic! Could comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb): Could cannot be used with another modal verb: Not: We could might drive to France. The word can is an auxiliary verb (or helping verb) and a modal verb. Follow these quick and easy guidelines to never get confused again. , in the past conditional We said we would go if we could. We could to order pizza tonight. Be able to is sometimes used after modals such as might or should, and after verbs such as want, hope, or expect. ( Ability in the Past) Examples: I could speak four languages when I was younger. me dieron ganas de pegarle! We dont usually use could to talk about single events that happened in the past. Need synonyms for could? Dictionary, Encyclopedia and Thesaurus - The Free Dictionary, the webmaster's page for free fun content. Could shows how something is a possible but not definite. We had to give away our dog when we moved to England. I hate to ask you for another favor, but I wonder if I could pay you to drive me home. Using the word opinion. Instead you use might not have or may not have. The difference between could and would are presented in the points given below: Could is the past tense form of the verb can which indicates a past ability of someone or possibility of an action or happening. Be Careful!Don't use 'could not' to say that there is a possibility that something is not true. Delivered to your inbox! He was all innuendo and strange hints and whispered secrets, and I-could-if-I-woulds. I waited ages for you - you I could be wrong. How could you leave me? Both would and could are modal auxiliary verbs, which are better known as a form of helping verbs. By signing in, you agree to our Terms and Conditions Like other auxiliary verbs, can and could often appear alone in sentences. When I was young, I could easily touch my toes. (I was so angry) you could have warned me! Again? Usage explanations of natural written and spoken English, I could buy a wonderful bag to match my shoes, We hired a car and we could drive 1,000 miles in one week, Adjectives and adjective phrases: typical errors, Adverbs and adverb phrases: typical errors, Nationalities, languages, countries and regions. These expressions will use would., The clue to the fact that this is an offer or invitation is the inclusion of the word like. Similar terms would work in much the same way. If you are looking to make a statement of ability, think to yourself, I can do that., If you are looking to make a statement of certainty or intent, think to yourself, I will do that.. They could be the champions if they can start to get along. I wish I could've been there to see him open his presents. Don't use can or could after any other verbs. 10. You also use could have to say that there was a possibility of something being true in the past, although it was not in fact true. Find out which word to choose and when. Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012. The difference between could and would are presented in the points given below: Could is the past tense form of the verb can which indicates a past ability of someone or possibility of an action or happening. 4. She could not ( couldnt ) drive a car. I could taste nothing but salt. I could taste nothing but salt. Thanks!, Would you like to join us for dinner? It is used to express that someone is able to do something in the past. Get a clearer understanding of this difference by looking at a few more example sentences. 0 && stateHdr.searchDesk ? (The original words were probably: You can wait in the hallway.), She said we could book the tickets online. For example, In high school, I could dunk a basketball. Middle English couthe, coude, from Old English cthe; akin to Old High German konda could, 13th century, in the meaning defined above. Could you tell me which one is more expensive? I wonder who that could be at the door. 3. (I was so angry) you could have warned me! (= Maybe they are at home.) We use could have + -ed form to talk about possibility in the past: They could have taken a taxi home instead of walking and getting wet. Could cannot be used with another modal verb: We Could: form Affirmative (+) form Could comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb): We could have lunch early. We dont use do/does/did: We use could and couldnt in question tags: We often use could to express possibility in the present and the future. Lets look at examples of sentences that show how can and could are typically used. (used in asking for permission): Could I borrow your pen? We had to give away our dog when we moved to England. Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright 2013 by the Philip Lief Group. Possibility and impossibility. Could is a verb with many senses. Could Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster could auxiliary verb kd, kud past tense of can used in auxiliary function in the past We found we could go. Cannot is never written 'can not'. used to express a possibility in the past. You shouldnt smoke. ): The food was terrible. Im certain that the storm will get worse. (= It is sometimes very cold here in winter.) Be able to is more formal than can. You have not finished your quiz. She could not ( couldnt ) drive a car. Dont use to after should, could, and would: You shouldnt to smoke. Could and would are two such verbs. Apparently time had caught up with Mom before she could finish. (used in making polite requests): Could you open the door for me, please? This medicine could help your cold. Once you are finished, click the button below. All rights reserved. Be Careful!Don't use 'could not have' to say that there is a possibility that something was not true. (used to express conditional possibility or ability): You could do it if you tried. In the case of permission, could is typically only used when asking permission, not giving it. Cannot and could not are used to say that someone is or was forbidden to do something. Apparently time had caught up with Mom before she could finish. Might and may can be used in a similar way. You use can to say that something is sometimes possible. See how your sentence looks with different synonyms. Could and can are used to talk about possibility in the present or future. __________ I buy a DVD or a watch for my father's birthday? Related Words and Phrases See Also What is the opposite of could? She could not ( couldnt ) drive a car. Usage see: can. Last year, he couldnt speak English very well, but now he can. I waited ages for you - you could have said that you weren't coming! Please wait while the activity loads. His recovery could take months. These words are used to talk about ability, awareness, and possibility. You _________ like my brother if you got to know him better. If it rains on the date of the wedding, we _________ have the ceremony inside the church instead of in the park. Could cannot be used with another modal verb: We The word in the example sentence does not match the entry word. (possibility), Could I have some water, please? (The speaker remembers hearing You can book the tickets online.). Could is also used in the context of ability, possibility, or permission. Would doesnt leave any question or possibility. We dont use dont/doesnt/didnt with could: We can use the full form could not in formal contexts or when we want to emphasise something: Fabio was frightened. 4. Jerry Brown, California's once and could-be future governor, is a master of reinvention, just like the pop icon. . We use could have + -ed form to talk about things that did not happen and sometimes to expresses regret: We often use the expression how could you/she/he/they? In my prime, I could bench press 250 pounds. I wish I could've been there to see him open his presents. That ugly fellow who swore at me the day before was in the boat, and I c-, He was all innuendo and strange hints and whispered secrets, and I-, She was awfully shocked,or pretended to be,and wrote me a very O-dear-how-, He might go and tell Willy all about it; he would ask him to interfere-, These are (Paul says) lima beans Munchausen, and here we have. , in the past conditional We said we would go if we could. of can 1. auxiliary verb. This wont always get you to the right answer, but it should work most of the time. Could cannot be used with another modal verb: We A firework couldnt have done all that damage. Related Words and Phrases See Also What is the opposite of could? 2. This medicine could help your cold. 8. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Any items you have not completed will be marked incorrect. How many times have you done that? For example, "I would love to go to Barbados.". In my prime, I could bench press 250 pounds. Present perfect simple or present perfect continuous? to show disapproval (to show that we dont like what someone has done): Grandfather, how could you? Use COULD and COULDNT for ability in the past Could and couldnt are the past forms of can and cant: When I was younger, I could run a mile in 7 minutes. cmo has podido! Thesaurus / could FEEDBACK could See definition of could on Dictionary.com verb preserve fruit, vegetable verb be able verb fire from job synonyms for could Compare Synonyms keep bottle put up antonyms for could MOST RELEVANT cannot employ hire Now that you know what they are, you can break down their respective meanings. I wish I could've been there to see him open his presents. An old-fashioned rule we can no longer put up with. If I were to take a vacation, it would be somewhere warm and tropical. 2. These uses are dealt with separately in this entry. Both could and would are verbs that have many senses. Verb Expressing a present possibility Verb Used to express a request where voluntary compliance is expected Find more words! Learning the difference between "can" vs. "could" and when to use each one couldn't get any easier! The negative form of could is could not or couldn't. That ugly fellow who swore at me the day before was in the boat, and I c-could understand him. Could does not have this meaning. , and as an alternative to can suggesting less force or certainty or as a polite form in the present Feeling confident about how much youve learned about these verbs? Find out which word to choose and when. Could and couldnt are the past forms of can and cant: When I was younger, I could run a mile in 7 minutes. The word could is also often used for the subjunctive mood, which is used to express hypothetical or conditional statements. Just read our guide on these commonly confused words. Could Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster could auxiliary verb kd, kud past tense of can used in auxiliary function in the past We found we could go. Thesaurus / could FEEDBACK could See definition of could on Dictionary.com verb preserve fruit, vegetable verb be able verb fire from job synonyms for could Compare Synonyms keep bottle put up antonyms for could MOST RELEVANT cannot employ hire Helen, _________ you come over here for a minute? I hate to ask you for another favor, but I wonder if I could pay you to drive me home. He could play football well when he was a kid. The subject and could change position to form questions. I could swim well at that age a esa edad nadaba muy bien ; I could hear them talking los oa hablar ; I could have tried harder poda haberme esforzado ms ; he couldn't have been kinder fue de lo ms amable ; how COULD you! Can and could are used with verbs such as see, hear, and smell to say that someone is or was aware of something through one of their senses. I could have hit him! Need synonyms for could? of can 1. auxiliary verb. I could have hit him! We could hear voices inside. In other words, you had the ability to ride your bike home in 10 minutes, but that doesnt mean it was necessarily done in 10 minutes. We use could when reporting clauses with can as past events: They told us we could wait in the hallway. Click on the arrows to change the translation direction. could modal verb (SHOULD) used for saying, especially angrily, what you think someone else should do: Well, you could try to look a little more enthusiastic! They could be at home. Could cannot be used with another modal verb: We This way, you will be able to see them in their proper context. If loading fails, click here to try again. Can and could are used to say that someone is allowed to do something. How could you have gone without telling me? (= Maybe they are at home.) 3. Would is also a verb with many senses. When your father was a boy, he _________ play soccer for 5 hours straight without getting tired. Find out which word to choose and when. His recovery could take months. Could is also used to talk about ability in the present, but it has a special meaning. In other instances, could is a modal verb used to denote possibility. We use could to ask for permission. William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 HarperCollins Anthony said you-could hear Emmy's tongue striking the roof of her-mouth all thee time. 'pa pdd chac-sb tc-bd bw hbr-20 hbss lpt-25' : 'hdn'">, Test your vocabulary with our fun image quizzes, Clear explanations of natural written and spoken English. So, you will use "could" for suggestions. For example: When I was younger, I could ride my bike home in 10 minutes. Using the word opinion. Thesaurus / could FEEDBACK could See definition of could on Dictionary.com verb preserve fruit, vegetable verb be able verb fire from job synonyms for could Compare Synonyms keep bottle put up antonyms for could MOST RELEVANT cannot employ hire could've contraction: colloquial, abbreviation (could have) potere v : I could've been someone, you know. 2. (ability), The coin could have landed on heads or tails, and fortunately for you it landed on heads. In this sense, could refers to some ability that someone had in the past. Sure!. We use couldnt have + -ed form as the negative form of must have + -ed. When used this way, could is used to express conditional or hypothetical ability or possibility even when talking about the present or the future. Additionally, I will show you a memory tool that can help you choose would or could correctly every time. How many times have you done that? Privacy Policy. me dieron ganas de pegarle! I cant play piano, but my brother can [play piano]. could / ( kd) / verb (takes an infinitive without to or an implied infinitive) used as an auxiliary to make the past tense of can 1 used as an auxiliary, esp in polite requests or in conditional Could is also the past tense of can. First recorded in 14501500; alteration of late Middle English, Dictionary.com Unabridged For example, if a woman says 'I can speak Arabic', you usually report this as 'She said she could speak Arabic'. 2. Would: Past tense of will; expresses something happening in the past or in an imaginary or hypothetical situation Could: Past tense of can; shows the potential or ability of something happening While they're clearly different, their usage in a sentence isn't always as clear. Many native speakers disagree on which one expresses more or less certainty. These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'could.' Fill in the blank: I cant figure out _____ gave me this gift. SMART Vocabulary: palavras e frases relacionadas Gramtica Can, could or may: typical errors In my prime, I could bench press 250 pounds. 2. a used to say that something is possible. Would is the past tense of will. If so, show off how capable you are by taking our quiz on can vs. could. I waited ages for you - you could have said that you weren't coming! could (kd; unstressed kd) v. 1. a pt. Yesterday, I couldnt find my wallet anywhere but this morning I found it. It couldnt be true. Search For Life's Meaning Starting With These Quotes. We use could to show that something is possible, but not certain: They could come by car. Maybe John could even contact local TV stations., Note: In this case, would is often shortened tod. Here's a list of similar words from our thesaurus that you can use instead. Again? Not: I could buy a wonderful bag to match my shoes. When it comes to polite expressions, like making a request or asking permission, could and would can be used pretty interchangeably. To save this word, you'll need to log in. What should I do? We often use could have + -ed form to express disapproval or criticism: You could have called to say you would be late. could (kd; unstressed kd) v. 1. a pt. Yesterday, I couldnt find my wallet anywhere but this morning I found it. (permission), I could speak French fluently when I was younger. In these examples, the speaker is using would to express a past action, which is helpful when comparing would vs. could. We use couldnt have + -ed form as the negative form of must have + -ed. While could shows ability or possibility, would shows certainty in a past or hypothetical situation. Id love to, but I actually have other plans tonight., Would you like to see some pictures from my vacation? The verb can is an auxiliary (helping) verb that is often used alongside other verbs to express ability, possibility, or permission (in the case of permission, could is often considered more polite than can, but they are grammatically interchangeable in this context). Sentences with the word could As you can see, you are offering a possibility. I would buy a big house if I had a million dollars. Grammatically, though, either one is completely acceptable. , and as an alternative to can suggesting less force or certainty or as a polite form in the present 2. a used to say that something is possible. He could play football well when he was a kid. could / ( kd) / verb (takes an infinitive without to or an implied infinitive) used as an auxiliary to make the past tense of can 1 used as an auxiliary, esp in polite requests or in conditional Im not going to punish you, even though I could [punish you]. WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS? In this article, I will compare could vs. would, and I will use both words in several example sentences. Case in Point or Case and Point Whats the Difference? I am certain that it is blue. We could order pizza tonight. To form the negative of be able to, you either put not or another negative word in front of able, or you use the expression be unable to. Want To Build A Successful Writing Routine? A firework couldnt have done all that damage. could've contraction: colloquial, abbreviation (could have) potere v : I could've been someone, you know. Add ${headword} to one of your lists below, or create a new one. Here's a list of similar words from our thesaurus that you can use instead. For example, In high school, I could dunk a basketball. Named after Sir Robert Peel, what are British police called. Ive got to be in the meeting at 10 and the train doesnt get in until 10.15. You could at least have called me. Could is the past tense of can, a verb used to denote ability. I waited ages for you - you The evidence is not conclusive, but he could (very well) be right. Lets take the first of these two examples. The difference between could and would are presented in the points given below: Could is the past tense form of the verb can which indicates a past ability of someone or possibility of an action or happening. We hired a car and we were able to/managed to drive 1,000 miles in one week. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! Lets again look at the first example. This shows grade level based on the word's complexity. (permission). We use could when reporting clauses with can as past events: They told us we could wait in the hallway. In this sense, could refers to some ability that someone had in the past. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. could've contraction: colloquial, abbreviation (could have) potere v : I could've been someone, you know. The negative form of could is couldnt. Still confused? In both of these examples, could is expressing possibility: things that could have been true or things that could yet come true. I hate to ask you for another favor, but I wonder if I could pay you to drive me home. For example, You would take Broadway. As you can see, the choice is gone from the sentence, so it is no longer a suggestion. Thats not good you should go to the doctor., I want to make more friends, but I dont know how. Could we have another cup of tea, please? In high school, I could dunk a basketball. 2023 LoveToKnow Media. Would and could can also be used together to show certainty and possibility like: I would go on vacation if I could get the time off. Using COULD COULD and/or COULDNT is used as the past tense of CAN and/or CANT. 3. Learning the difference between "can" vs. "could" and when to use each one couldn't get any easier! But, when we use would, there is no question where the vacation will be. You really __________ stay up so late. Would: Past tense of will; expresses something happening in the past or in an imaginary or hypothetical situation Could: Past tense of can; shows the potential or ability of something happening While they're clearly different, their usage in a sentence isn't always as clear. (used in asking for permission): Could I borrow your pen? could modal verb (SHOULD) used for saying, especially angrily, what you think someone else should do: Well, you could try to look a little more enthusiastic! First of all, you shouldnt spend so much time on the computer. 8. you could take the car tomorrow if it's raining. of can 1. auxiliary verb. Seeing a few more examples in action can really drive this point home. You should go out and join a club or start playing a sport instead!, I had a fight with my best friend. Could: form Affirmative (+) form Could comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb): We could have lunch early. How could you have gone without telling me? and I would buy a new car if I had the money. Can and could are called modals. and mental processes (think, believe, remember, understand etc. When I was young, I could easily touch my toes. (= Maybe they will come by car.) We use can to make general statements about what is possible: It can be very cold here in winter. Hear a word and type it out. Could we have another cup of coffee, please? We could also give out pamphlets in our neighborhood. Couldnt and couldnt have + -ed form express strong possibility: She must have made a mistake. Might have and may have can be used in a similar way. For a related comparison, check out our guide to, The coin can land on heads or tails. (permission), Sure, you can have some water. Note: These are only a handful of many aborted could-be classics. English is full of verbs that seem interchangeable or at least only trivially different, but skilled writers know when and how to use them for maximum clarity. Clear up your doubts about confusing words and use English more confidently! Improve your vocabulary with English Vocabulary in Use from Cambridge.Learn the words you need to communicate with confidence. He could not move his arm. When actual past achievements are mentioned, we usually use was/were able to or managed to but not could in affirmative clauses. Could: form Affirmative (+) form Could comes first in the verb phrase (after the subject and before another verb): We could have lunch early. We use could have + -ed form to talk about things that did not happen and sometimes to expresses regret: We often use the expression how could you/she/he/they? The difference between should, could, and would is difficult for many English learners this lesson will help you understand when to use each one! You could [= might, may] be making the biggest mistake of your life! Nglish: Translation of could for Spanish Speakers, Britannica English: Translation of could for Arabic Speakers. Using COULD COULD and/or COULDNT is used as the past tense of CAN and/or CANT. The American Heritage Idioms Dictionary or We might could drive to France. Could is also used to form hypothetical or conditional statements (in whats called the subjunctive mood), as in If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Could expresses possibility, while would expresses certainty and intent. If you want to say that someone did not do something because they did not have the ability to do it, you say that they could not have done it. Present perfect simple or present perfect continuous? 10. You use could to say that there is a possibility that something is or will be true. For more on condition sentences, see here. We knew they were in there. Could. Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/could. Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. 4. When we want to guess or predict something, we use couldnt as the negative form of must. We use can: We dont usually use could to talk about single events that happened in the past. (possibility), Can I have some water, please? He could not move his arm. When asking for permission, could is often considered to be more formal or more polite than can. The past tense of the verb will is would and the past tense of the verb shall is should. If you leave this page, your progress will be lost. In these examples, the omitted verb or verb phrase is included in brackets for clarity: For a related comparison, check out our guide to can vs. may. That couldn't be true. Would is also a modal verb used to denote possibility, and it often refers to something that is conditional but definite within those conditions. Cheetahs can run faster than lions can [run]. (= It is sometimes very cold here in winter.) Hmm I think you should call her and tell her youre sorry.. 1. We use could to refer to single events that happened in the past, with verbs of the senses (smell, taste, see, hear, touch, etc.) Yes! 2. (used in making polite requests): Could you open the door for me, please? If I were to take a vacation, it could be somewhere tropical, but it also could be somewhere coldperhaps Colorado to go skiing. This is because they are facts, rather than possibilities: I was able to/managed to buy a wonderful bag to match my shoes. Malinger More With This Word Of The Day Quiz! Could is the past tense of can, a verb used to denote ability. We use could to show that something is possible, but not certain: They could come by car. You use can or be able to to talk about ability in the present. Accessed 18 Jan. 2023. Its a fact. You use could or a past form of be able to to talk about ability in the past. You could [= might, may] be making the biggest mistake of your life! What does could mean? What is the Difference Between Could and Would? Both of these words start with the same letter as their root verb, which makes them easy to remember. to show disapproval (to show that we dont like what someone has done): Grandfather, how could you? Both can and could are followed by an infinitive without to. 2. COULD Synonyms: 47 Synonyms & Antonyms for COULD | Thesaurus.com Find Out! Not: We hired a car and we could drive 1,000 miles in one week. could modal verb (SHOULD) used for saying, especially angrily, what you think someone else should do: Well, you could try to look a little more enthusiastic! 4. Sign up to make the most of YourDictionary. In this case, they are still acting as auxiliary verbsthe main verb is omitted but still understood. She could have been the champion if her opponent hadnt cheated. If this activity does not load, try refreshing your browser. to make polite offers: Would you like anything to drink? Over the next three days, temperatures could reach the low 20s in Washington, posing one last crucial test for the buds. Ryan Homes Downingtown, Pa, Articles C