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Could

Using "Could" in Present, Past, and Future

Most modal verbs behave quite irregularly in the past and the future. Study the chart below to learn how "could" behaves in different contexts.
Modal UsePositive Forms
1. = Present   2. = Past   3. = Future		Negative Forms
1. = Present   2. = Past   3. = Future		You can also use:
could
possibility		1. John could be the one who stole the money.2. John could have been the one who stole the money.
3. John could go to jail for stealing the money. 		1. Mary couldn't be the one who stole the money.2. Mary couldn't have been the one who stole the money.
3. Mary couldn't possibly go to jail for the crime.		might,
may
could
conditional
of can		1. If I had more time, I could travel around the world.2. If I had had more time, I could have traveled around the world.
3. If I had more time this winter, I could travel around the world.		1. Even if I had more time, I couldn't travel around the world.2. Even if I had had more time, I couldn't have traveled around the world.
3. Even if I had more time this winter, I couldn't travel around the world.
could
suggestion		1. NO PRESENT FORM2. You could have spent your vacation in Hawaii.
3. You could spend your vacation in Hawaii. 		 NO NEGATIVE FORMS
could
past ability		I could run ten miles in my twenties.I could speak Chinese when I was a kid.
"Could" cannot be used in positive sentences in which you describe a momentary or one-time ability.
Yesterday, I could lift the couch by myself. Not Correct		I couldn't run more than a mile in my twenties.I couldn't speak Swahili.
"Could" can be used in negative sentences in which you describe a momentary or one-time ability.
Yesterday, I couldn't lift the couch by myself. Correct		be able to
could
polite request		Could I have something to drink?Could I borrow your stapler?
Requests usually refer to the near future.		Couldn't he come with us?Couldn't you help me with this for just a second?
Requests usually refer to the near future.		can,
may,
might
REMEMBER: "Could not" vs. "Might not"
"Could not" suggests that it is impossible for something to happen. "Might not" suggests you do not know if something happens.
Examples:
  • Jack might not have the key. Maybe he does not have the key.
  • Jack could not have the key. It is impossible that he has the key.

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