Could expresses possibility, while would expresses certainty and intent. Could is also used to talk about ability in the present, but it has a special meaning. · we use could have to say that someone had the ability or opportunity to do something, but did not do it: If you say that someone could do something, you mean that they have the ability to do it, but they dont in fact … She could have learned swahili, but she didnt want to. The meaning of could is —used in auxiliary function in the past, in the past conditional, and as an alternative to can suggesting less force or certainty or as a polite form in the present. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more. See examples of could used in a sentence. Master the word could in english: Past simple of can, used to talk about what someone or something was able or allowed to do…. A good way to remember the differences between these two words is simply to bring each word back to its root verb. A simple past tense of can. Definitions, translations, synonyms, pronunciations, examples, and grammar insights - all in one complete resource. Definition of could modal verb in oxford advanced learners dictionary. · learn the difference between can vs. · learn 8 expert ways to use could in english—past abilities, polite requests, regrets, and more—with real examples and clear practice tips. Could and how to use each of them in a sentence, with examples of each word used correctly.