Auxiliary Verb 'Could' for the ability of action in the past

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Auxiliary Verb 'Could'

AUXILIARY VERB 'COULD'

Uses of Auxiliary Verb "COULD"

'Could' is a modal verb used as a more polite way of making a request or asking for permission, to express uncertain possibility, to make a suggestion or offer.

'Could' is a past-tense version of can, indicating what someone or something was able to do in the past.

'Could' is not a past form of Can, but a past equivalent of can. It is used for the action in the past to express possibility / ability of action.
It is used in :
• Simple present/past/future tense (could)
• Simple present continuous tense (could be)
• Future continuous tense (could be)

Possibility:

We use 'could' to describe actions or outcomes that are possible or likely.

Examples:

• Could it be true?
• It could be your boss calling.
• This plan could really work well.
• I think it could rain any minute.
• All of them could ride on the boat.
• You could always come at our house.
• He could be in big trouble over this.
• Alex could be the one who stole the money.
• The letter could have been written in the morning.
• Heavy rain could cause the river to flood the Village.

Past ability:

We use 'could' to describes an ability that someone had in the past.

Examples:

• I could swim when I was young.
• You could see the boat sinking.
• They could tell she was nervous.
• I could run ten miles in my twenties.
• I could speak Chinese when I was a kid.
• My grandfather could speak six languages.
• Simran could ski like a pro by the age of 11.

Suggestion:

We use 'could' to suggest a possible course of action.

Examples:

• You could go out for relax.
• You could spend your vacation in Dubai.
• You could see a movie or go out to dinner.
• We could go out for pizza after work on Saturday.
• I could help you with English if you are interested.
• If you want,we could go out for dinner after school.
• You could always call me every week if it is necessary.

Request:

We use 'could' more politely to make a general request.

Examples:

• Could I have some tea?
• Could you do me a favour?
• Could you please be quiet?
• Could I borrow your Magazine?
• Could I have something to eat?
• Could you help me with this project?
• Could you send me a quotation, please?
• Could I use your laptop to email my boss?
• Could you tell me where the Cafe is, please?

Permission:

We use 'could' to ask someone for permission to do something more politely.

Examples:

• Could we go home now?
• You could borrow my Jecket.
• Could I get you more Coffee?
• Could I take this Laptop with me?
• Could you please let me pass you?
• Could we invite Riya to come with us?
• Excuse me, could I just ask you something?

Offer:

We use 'could' to make an offer to do something for someone.

Examples:

• Could I give you a ride home?
• Could I help you in your project?
• Could I give you a company for dinner?
• Could we help you find what you need?

Conditional:

We use 'could' if we want to describe what we would be able to do under a certain condition.

Examples:

• If we moved to Goa, I could surf every day.
• I could visit many places if I had more time.
• You could get there in time if you hurried up.
• Even if I had more time, I couldn’t study well.
• If you called me, I could find you some solution.
• If I had more time, I could travel around the world.
• If I got that promotion, I could afford a new house!
• We could go on the trip if I didn't have to work this weekend.

Types of Auxiliary Verbs

(1) Auxiliary–cum–verbs.

"Auxiliary-cum-verbs" are :

These 11 auxiliaries are also used as verbs, therefore, they are called Auxiliary–cum–verbs. These are used to form Tenses. ( Please refer Tense Table).

(2) Pure Auxiliary verbs..

"Pure Auxiliary verbs" are :

These 20 auxiliaries only support normal verbs, therefore, they are called Pure Auxiliary Verbs. They are also called Models or Model Auxiliary Verbs.

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