In this article, we’re going to explain the “could” grammar. “Would”, “Should”, and “Could” grammar is something that many ESL speakers struggle with. Today, we will be focusing on “could”.
YouTube Video
Title: English Grammar Could | 8 uses of Could
Video Transcript
Hello everyone! My name is Lacey and I am your English teacher for today. Welcome to the Eigo Love Youtube Channel! Today, I am going to explain the “could” grammar. “Would”, “Should”, and “Could” grammar is something that many ESL speakers struggle with. Today, we will be focusing on “could”, but I have a video for the other two.
Past ability
“Could” has a few different uses. First, you can use “could” to express “past ability”.
For example:
Example #1
I could run a mile in 7 minutes when I was ten.
So this sentence means that in the past, I could run a mile in 7 minutes, but now I can’t.
Example #2
She could do a handstand when she was five.
This means that (when I was five) when she was five, she could do a handstand. This sentence means maybe she can do it now, maybe she can’t. Most of the time, when you are implying “past ability”, it means you can’t do it anymore.
Negative form
You can also use this in the negative.
Example #3
I couldn’t speak Japanese 5 years ago.
So, with this sentence it implies that you can speak Japanese now, but you couldn’t before.
Example #4
I couldn’t talk yesterday.
For negative sentences, it can be used to explain a one time experience, but it can’t in positive sentences.
Example #5
I couldn’t leave work early yesterday.
This is correct.
Here is an incorrect sentence.
Example
I could leave work early yesterday.
This is incorrect grammar, so please don’t do this.
Moving on.
Past tense
“Could” can also be used to express possibility or impossibility in the past, present, or future.
First, here is a past tense example:
Example #6
You could have called me.
Example #7
I couldn’t have called you.
The key here is that “could” is followed by “have”. That’s how you know it is past tense.
Present tense
Here is a present tense example:
Example #8
I could be sick.
Example #9
I couldn’t be sick.
The key here is that “could” is followed by “be” and that’s how we know it is present tense.
Future tense
And last, here is an example in the future tense:
Example #10
I could skip school tomorrow.
Example #11
I couldn’t possibly skip school tomorrow.
In this case, “could” is followed by the verb in the base form.
Suggestions
Great. “Could” is also used to give suggestions.
For example:
Example #12
You could sell your car.
So maybe my friend has no money, so I will tell her, “You could sell your car.”
OK. And next.
Example #13
You could go to Japan.
I use this a lot when I am recommending travel to my friends because, of course, I’m in Japan.
Conditional form
“Could” can be used as a conditional form of “can.”
Example #14
If I had more money, I could travel the world.
So the conditional form always has “if”, so it’s describing a situation that is not currently true. Of course I don’t have a lot of money, so I can’t do this, but if, then I would or I could.
Example #15
If I had more time, I could make more Youtube videos for you.
Example #16
If I had a bigger house, I could have a party.
Requests
And last, but not least, “Could” is used to make polite requests. It is very similar to requests using can, but it is just a little more polite. Here are some examples:
Example #17
Could I have some water?
Can I have some water?
Example #18
Could you call me back tomorrow?
Can you call me back tomorrow?
Conclusion
That’s all! You made it through! At first, it might be a little confusing! But don’t worry, take the time to process each use. Work on each one, one by one. You will begin to understand it more. Listen or read the uses of could a couple of times, until it clicks!
If you liked this video, please give it a thumbs up and subscribe to the Eigo Love Youtube channel down below! Also, check out my “should” and “could” videos! If you have any questions or comments, leave them in the comment box down below! Until next time! Bye!
