HOW TO USE COULD IN SENTENCES?
WHAT ARE THE RULES ?
COULD
- It is a past form of can.
- it is used in past. present and future tense.
- Could is more formal and polite than can
We use Could
1. There is a possibility of something ( past/present/future )
2. Ability to do something in past
3. For polite request
4. For making questions
5. To make suggestions
6. Conditional Sentences
1. There is a possibility of something
When something is possible:-
For Example:-
- Present – They could be at home.
- Past – You could have won the match.
- Future – He could become strong by doing exercise.
2. Ability to do something in past
For Example:-
- He could run very fast in his young age.
- You could speak for 10 hours in your young age.
- I could do exercise in my childhood.
3. For polite request ( Immediate Future )
For Example:-
- Could I get your pen.
- Could I sit here.
- Could I get your pen.
Note: We use could to ask for permission. We don’t use could to give or refuse permission. We use can
- Example:- Could I leave early today?
- Yes, you can/ no, you can’t
4. For making questions
Foe Example:-
- Could I pay by credit card?
- Could I get this offer by paying through credit card?
- Could I borrow your car?
5. To make suggestions
( Used only fore Past and Future Tense )
For Example:-
- Past – You could have purchased a new car.
- Future – You could purchase a new car
6. Conditional Sentence
Sentence starts with ‘If’
For Example:-
- If I had money I could purchase a new car.
- If I had more time I could read this book.