English reference

could

Use 'could' as the past form of 'can', or to make a polite request, e.g. 'I could swim as a child' or 'Could you help me?'

Irregular · 1 form tables

You covers singular and plural. Forms are shown for the meaning listed; some continuous forms need a dynamic use of the verb.

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Past

Past simple

could: Past simple
Person, form or usageForm and meaning
I
you
he/she/it
we
they

Forms from the Loquus reference. Only supplied forms are shown. Browse all English entries.

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