Definitions
1.Verbsimple past of can"Before I was blind, I could see very well.; When I was young everybody could easily find a job in a matter of days.; When I was your age, I could run 10mi in under an hour.; I could only find the street, but I couldn't locate his house."
2.Verbconditional of can
Used as a past subjunctive (contrary to fact)."I think he could do it if he really wanted to.; I wish I could fly!; I'd have thought you could have done the dishes, at least.; Could I borrow your coat?; Could you proofread this email?; I wonder, you couldn't loan me the money, could you?; We could rearrange the time if you like.; You could try adding more salt to the soup."
3.VerbUsed as a past subjunctive (contrary to fact)."I think he could do it if he really wanted to.; I wish I could fly!; I'd have thought you could have done the dishes, at least."
4.VerbUsed to politely ask for permission to do something."Could I borrow your coat?"
5.VerbUsed to politely ask for someone else to do something."Could you proofread this email?; I wonder, you couldn't loan me the money, could you?"
6.VerbUsed to show the possibility that something might happen."We could rearrange the time if you like."
7.VerbUsed to suggest something."You could try adding more salt to the soup."
8.Verbpast participle of can
9.NounSomething that could happen, or could be the case, under different circumstances; a potentiality.