could
could means “could: polite requests (Could you ...?) and the past of can”. Could makes requests softer than can: Could you say that again. Formation: Could you/I + V ...? · could = past of can
could: polite requests (Could you ...?) and the past of can
A2Formation
Could you/I + V ...? · could = past of can
Explanation
Could makes requests softer than can: Could you say that again? Could I open the window? It is also the past of can for ability: I could swim when I was five. Like can, it never changes form and takes no to.
Examples
Note
Answers use can or will, not could: Could you help me? — Sure, I can. Could I ...? asks for permission politely.
FAQ
could — what does it mean and how is it used?
could: polite requests (Could you ...?) and the past of can. Could makes requests softer than can: Could you say that again? Could I open the window? It is also the past of can for ability: I could swim when I was five. Like can, it never changes form and takes no to.
could — how do you form it?
Could you/I + V ...? · could = past of can
could — any usage notes?
Answers use can or will, not could: Could you help me? — Sure, I can. Could I ...? asks for permission politely.