0
Anonymous Posted 11 years ago
Grammar

Could

How to tell present "could" from the past one in the sentence?
  

Top answer

Anonymous How to tell present "could" from the past one in the sentence? It's a matter of context. The meaning of the rest of the sentence (and maybe of previous sentences) affects the interpretation.

— CalifJim

  • Anonymous How to tell present "could" from the past one in the sentence?
  • It's a matter of context.
  • The meaning of the rest of the sentence (and maybe of previous sentences) affects the interpretation.
  • We could help you by taking the kids to school for you tomorrow.
  • (polite offer) Could you get some bread at the supermarket for me?
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

3 Answers
0
AnonymousHow to tell present "could" from the past one in the sentence?
It's a matter of context. The meaning of the rest of the sentence (and maybe of previous sentences) affects the interpretation.

We could help you by taking the kids to school for you tomorrow. (polite offer)
Could you get some bread at the supermarket for me? (
0
0
CalifJimIt's a matter of context.
Thanks for the reply.

Can it be a future "could" in this: "He could face the death penalty if he is convicted."? (He's not convicted yet; the trial's in progress.)
0
0
AnonymousCan it be a future "could" in this: "He could face the death penalty if he is convicted."? (He's not convicted yet; the trial's in progress.)
Yes.

CJ
0

Related Questions