American English
/kʰʊd̚/
One syllable.
used to ask someone politely to do something or to ask politely for permission
“Could” is pronounced /kʰʊd̚/. In natural connected speech, the vowel may be very short and less prominent, so it can be hard to hear.
used to ask someone politely to do something or to ask politely for permission
Could you email me the address?
Could I sit here?
In a question, this form often talks about now or the future, not the past.
could you please · could I ask
could + subject + base verb + ...?
used to say that someone had the ability to do something in the past
I could read simple books at age five.
She could drive before she moved abroad.
subject + could + base verb
used to say that something is possible, but you are not sure that it will happen or is true
It could rain this afternoon.
The answer could be on page ten.
could happen · could be right · could go wrong
subject + could + base verb
subject + could be + adjective, noun, or place
used to suggest an action or say what would be possible in a particular situation
We could take a taxi.
If we leave now, we could catch the earlier train.
could try · could use · could take
subject + could + base verb + object
if + subject + past verb, subject + could + base verb
would benefit from or need something
I could use a cup of coffee.
not care at all
I couldn't care less what they think.
This form stays the same with he, she, and it: She could, not she coulds. The negative forms are couldn't and could not.