could
auxiliary verb
kəd,
ˈku̇d 
past tense of can
We found we could go.
in the past conditional,
We said we would go if we could.
and as an alternative to can suggesting less force or certainty or as a polite form in the present
If you could come, we would be pleased.
Examples of could in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Thousands of women could receive additional benefits if the Legislature passes the bill. —
James Brooks, Anchorage Daily News, 5 Feb. 2023 The Natural History Museum took possession of the animal's remains, prompting swift condemnation by tribal leaders who feared P-22′s body could be taxidermized and put on display. —Stefanie Dazio, ajc, 5 Feb. 2023 Domestically, President Joe Biden hosted Speaker Kevin McCarthy at the White House to discuss a possible deal on the debt ceiling; experts warn delaying an increase in the debt limit could spell economic disaster. —Phillip M. Bailey, USA TODAY, 5 Feb. 2023 That could put the property on track to surpass numbers for 2022, its best year since opening in 2017. —Blane Bachelor, CNN, 4 Feb. 2023 See All Example Sentences for could
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
James Brooks, Anchorage Daily News, 5 Feb. 2023 The Natural History Museum took possession of the animal's remains, prompting swift condemnation by tribal leaders who feared P-22′s body could be taxidermized and put on display. —Stefanie Dazio, ajc, 5 Feb. 2023 Domestically, President Joe Biden hosted Speaker Kevin McCarthy at the White House to discuss a possible deal on the debt ceiling; experts warn delaying an increase in the debt limit could spell economic disaster. —Phillip M. Bailey, USA TODAY, 5 Feb. 2023 That could put the property on track to surpass numbers for 2022, its best year since opening in 2017. —Blane Bachelor, CNN, 4 Feb. 2023 See All Example Sentences for could
Cite this Entry
“Could.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/dictionary/could. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
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