| COULD |
| Non-negative: could Uncontracted negative: could not Contracted negative: couldn`t |
| � COULD is used to express past ability, it means that somebody was able to do something. This ability can be natural or learned. |
| Eg |
| I never could play the piano (I was never able to play the piano) |
| Eg |
| Eg |
| Eg |
| � Could is also used to express present or future permission. It is more formal than can. |
| Could I smoke in here? |
| The road could be blocked |
| � COULD expresses present possibility (theoretical or factual) |
| � COULD also expresses a contingent possibility or ability in unreal conditions. |
| If I had money, we could buy a car |
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