could betydelse and definition

Betydelse av could på svenska

• 0 past simple of "can", used to talk about what someone or something was able or allowed to do:

  • When I was younger I could stay up all night and not get tired.

  • It was so noisy that we couldn't hear ourselves speak.

  • You said we could watch TV when we finished our homework.

  • We asked if the computer could access the internet.

• 1 used as a more polite form of "can" when asking for permission:

  • Could I speak to Mr Davis, please?

  • Excuse me, could I just say something?

• 2 used as a more polite form of "can" when asking someone to provide something or do something:

  • Could you lend me £5?

  • Could you turn that music down a little, please?

• 3 used to express possibility, especially slight or uncertain possibility:

  • A lot of crime could be prevented.

  • She could arrive anytime now.

  • This new drug could be an important step in the fight against cancer.

  • Be careful with that stick - you could have hit your sister!

• 4 used for making a suggestion:

  • We could go out for a drink after work tomorrow, if you want.

  • You could always call Susie and see if she will babysit.

• 5 used for saying, especially angrily, what you think someone else should do:

  • Well, you could try to look a little more enthusiastic!

  • I waited ages for you - you could have said that you weren't coming!

• 6 past simple of can:

  • You said we could watch television when we finished our homework.

  • When I was younger I could stay up all night and then go to work.

• 7 used as a more polite form of can when asking for permission:

  • Could I speak to Mr. Harley, please?

• 8 used as a more polite form of can when making a request:

  • Could you lend me $5?

• 9 used to express possibility, esp. slight or uncertain possibility:

  • A lot of these problems could be prevented.

  • It could be days before we hear from her.

  • I could have been an actor.

• 10 used for making a suggestion:

  • We could go to the movies.

• 11 used for saying what you think someone else should do:

  • You could try to look a little more enthusiastic.