I Kəd Hear Play Modal Verb Bre Piano

• she said that she couldn't come.
• i couldn't hear what they were saying.
• sorry, i couldn't get any more.
• can you play the piano?

could

1. used as the past tense of ‘can’
• She said that she couldn't come.
• I couldn't hear what they were saying.
• Sorry, I couldn't get any more.
• Can you play the piano?
• I can hear someone calling
• The podcast can be downloaded here.
• Can you/are you able to come on Saturday?
• You’ll be able to get a taxi outside the station.
• I haven’t been able to get much work done today.
• She’d love to be able to play the piano.
• Our daughter could walk when she was nine months old.
• I was able to/managed to find some useful books in the library.
• We weren’t able to/didn’t manage to/couldn’t get there in time.
• I could see there was something wrong.
• I could have won the game but decided to let her win.
2. used to ask if you can do something
• Could I use your phone, please?
• Could we stop by next week?
3. used to politely ask somebody to do something for you
• Could you babysit for us on Friday?
4. used to show that something is or might be possible
• I could do it now, if you like.
• Don't worry—they could have just forgotten to call.
• You couldn't have left it on the bus, could you?
• ‘Have some more cake.’ ‘Oh, I couldn't, thank you (= I'm too full).’
5. used to suggest something
• We could write a letter to the director.
• You could always try his home number.
6. used to show that you are annoyed that somebody did not do something
• They could have let me know they were going to be late!
7. used to emphasize how strongly you want to express your feelings
• I'm so fed up I could scream!
• He can speak three languages.
• She will try and visit tomorrow.
• You must find a job.
• You ought to stop smoking.
• I used to smoke but I gave up two years ago.
• Can I invite Mary?
• Should I have invited Mary?
8. used to say that you need or would like to have something
• I could do with a drink!
• Her hair could have done with a wash.

Verb Forms

• could not
• couldn't