Use could plus the base verb to talk about a general ability someone had in the past, as in I could speak French when I lived in Paris, and to make polite requests, as in could you pass me the salt, please. Could never changes with the subject and never takes to.
Grammar Rule
Could never changes with the subject, never takes to, and the main verb is always in the base form.
Could: Rules and Examples
| Use | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Past ability | could + base verb | When I was young, I could run very fast. I could speak French when I lived in Paris. |
| Past ability (negative) | couldn’t + base verb | She couldn’t swim when she was a child. |
| Polite request | Could + subject + base verb? | Could you pass me the salt, please? Could I borrow your pen? |
Remember: the verb after could is always in the base form, whether talking about ability or making a request.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below using could correctly for ability or requests. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
Modal Verb Could – Past Ability and Polite Requests
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do you use could for past ability?
Use could plus the base verb to describe a general ability someone had in the past, as in when I was young, I could run very fast.
How do you make the negative of past ability with could?
Add n’t to could, as in couldn’t, followed by the base verb, as in she couldn’t swim when she was a child.
How do you use could to make a polite request?
Put could before the subject and the base verb, followed by a question mark, as in could you pass me the salt, please.
Is could more polite than can for requests?
Yes, could is generally considered more polite than can when asking someone to do something or for permission.