could

verb

1. (form-of, past)simple past of can

   “Before I was blind, I could see very well.”

   “When I was young everybody could easily find a job in a matter of days.”

   “When I was your age, I could run 10mi in under an hour.”

   “I could only find the street, but I couldn't locate his house.”

2. conditional of can

   “"If I'd had a paddle I could've spun by that dashed root," Meekins said, feeling some apology due for the mishap. "When I first climbed out of that fool creek I thought my arm had got twisted off, but I guess it ain't."”

   “I think he could do it if he really wanted to.”

   “I wish I could fly!”

   “I'd have thought you could have done the dishes, at least.”

3. conditional of can

   “Could I borrow your coat?”

4. conditional of can

   “Could you proofread this email?”

   “I wonder, you couldn't loan me the money, could you?”

5. conditional of can

   “Even without hovering drones, a lurking assassin, a thumping score and a denouement, the real-life story of Edward Snowden, a rogue spy on the run, could be straight out of the cinema. But, as with Hollywood, the subplots and exotic locations may distract from the real message: America’s discomfort and its foes’ glee.”

   “We could rearrange the time if you like.”

6. conditional of can

   “You could try adding more salt to the soup.”

7. (form-of, participle, past)past participle of can

   “I haven't could sleep.”

noun

1. Something that could happen, or could be the case, under different circumstances; a potentiality.

   “When the golf ball is there, the whole self-interference package — the hopes, worries, and fears; the thoughts on how-to and how-not-to; the woulds, the coulds, and the shoulds — is there too.”

   “Shushona you must learn to rightfully prioritize all the woulds, shoulds and coulds of your life.”