could
Pronunciation: /kəd, kʊd/
modal verb
- past of can1
- used to indicate possibility: they could be right I would go if I could afford it
- used in making suggestions or polite requests: you could always ring him up could I use the phone?
- used to indicate annoyance because of something that has not been done: they could have told me!
- used to indicate a strong inclination to do something: he irritates me so much that I could scream
For a discussion on the use of could of instead of could have, see have (usage).