Modal Verb Could

Exercises

Explanation

Ability in the Past

Use could to say someone had a skill or ability in the past.

Example: 

I could run very fast when I was a child.
She could read before she started school.
They could understand Spanish a little.

For one specific past situation, use was/were able to instead:
I was able to finish the report yesterday.

Polite Requests

Use could to ask for something in a polite way.

Example:

Could you lend me your book, please?
Could I use your laptop for a minute?
Could you tell me where the station is?

Possibility

Use could to talk about something that is possible now or in the future.

Example:

It could rain later.
He could be at home right now.
We could go to the park tomorrow.

Negative Form

Example:

She couldn’t swim when she was five.
We couldn’t come because we were busy.

Comparison with Other Forms

Remember

• Can – ability now

• Could – ability in the past or polite request

• Be able to – any time (past, present, or future)