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could

/kʊd/

Translations

couldverb

/kʊd/

(modal; past form of can)

Synonyms

was able to

were able to

might be able to

was capable of

had the ability to

managed to

would be able to

had the capacity to

canverb

could

Past Simple

could

Past Simple

been able to

Past Participle

/kæn/

(modal / non-modal)

Synonyms

be able to

be capable of

have the ability to

be permitted to

know how to

couldverb

Used to make a polite request.

Could you pass me the paper?

Used to make an assumption.

You could be right, but we need to doublecheck everything.

canverb

To be able to do something (auxiliary).

She can swim across the lake without stopping.

To have the opportunity or possibility to do something (auxiliary).

We can go to the park if it stops raining.

To preserve food by sealing it in airtight containers.

They can tomatoes every summer to enjoy them in the winter.

To dismiss someone from a job.

The company decided to can several employees due to budget cuts.