Lesson 34 different meanings of “could”
Choose the correct answers:
Which meaning and time frame does each “could + verb” refer to in the following sentences?
a. speculation/possibility/guessing, present or future
b. polite request, present or future
c. ability, past
d. permission, past
- Could you close the windows at bedtime? It could rain in the middle of the night.
- Listen! Who could be knocking at the door at this hour?
- I could play the violin well at age 10, but I could not play it while someone was sleeping.
Explain:
The modal “could” has all the above meanings and time references.
- speculation/possibility/guessing, present or future
- polite request, present or future
- ability, past
- permission, past
The best way to understand the sentences is to look at the contexts. This modal also provides some excellent examples in which a word has a past “appearance” but with a present or future meaning.
- In Sentence #1, a polite request to close the windows in the near future; a speculation of rain in the near future
- In Sentence #2, a speculation of who is knocking right now
- In Sentence #3, an ability to play the violin in the past, but with no permission to do so while someone was sleeping.
Review:
Which meaning and time frame do the underlined verbs refer to?
a. speculation/possibility/guessing, present or future
b. polite request, present or future
c. ability, past
d. permission, past
- It’s so cold today. The temperature could be as low as -20F outside. It could get colder tomorrow. Could you check the heating system in the house?
- My grandfather developed arthritis in his 40s and could participate in a marathon race only with his doctor’s permission. However, in his younger days, he could run like an Olympic athlete.
Answers:
b, a; a; c; d
a, a, b; d; c
