- 1.1Used to indicate possibility: they could be right I would go if I could afford itMore example sentences
- There is also the possibility that it could be used to re-examine unsolved crimes.
- One possibility is that he could be sent abroad, but in practice this rarely happens.
- There will be a possibility that police could give advice to members of the public in the room.
- 1.2Used in making suggestions or polite requests: you could always ring him up could I use the phone?More example sentences
- We had a letter to say they had not received the form and could I make a request for a new one.
- Where did you find the information that you used to write it, and could you suggest a few books for me?
- I would be grateful if any readers could tell me more.
For a discussion on the use of could of instead of could have, see have (usage).
More definitions of couldDefinition of could in:
- The US English dictionary