Nota: A tradução desta entrada está atualmente em revisão de qualidade, portanto parte do conteúdo é exibida temporariamente apenas em inglês.
Este verbete ainda não foi traduzido para o seu idioma, portanto o original é exibido abaixo.
could
This modal verb functions as the past tense of can when describing general ability, but it shifts in meaning when used in the present tense to soften requests or express uncertainty. It creates a psychological distance between the speaker and the assertion, making it less direct and more tentative than can or will.
In social interactions, it serves as a tool for politeness. By framing a request as a question of possibility rather than a command, it reduces the perceived imposition on the listener. In hypothetical scenarios, it establishes a conditional reality where an action is possible only if a specific prerequisite is met.
Meanings
Examples
The detective thought the killer could be local.
Could you possibly reschedule our meeting for Tuesday?
I could not have succeeded without your guidance.