Four Ways to Use Could

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Step 1:

Learn Key Sentences

a) When I was a child, I could play the piano a little.

b) Could you close the window, please?

c) We could go to a Chinese restaurant. What do you think?

d) If we had time, we could go to see a movie.



Step 2:

Learn How to Use



Could can be used in four ways:

a) As the past of can.

b) To make a polite question.

c) To make a suggestion.

d) To talk about a possibility (using if and a past tense verb)



Step 3:

Learn Sample Conversations


Conversation using Could

A: I really enjoy the way you play the piano!

B: Thanks. I've been practicing for many years. Can you play a musical instrument?

A: No. When I was a child, I could (a) play a little, but not now. Could

(b) you teach me?

A: If I had the time, I could (d) teach you, but now I'm too busy at work. Maybe in the future I'll have more time.

B: I have an idea! I could (c) help you with your math homework, and you could (c) teach me the piano.
A: That's a good idea. It could (d) work!