"could" and its meanings on tenses

Question

Hi all, Can the word "could" refer to the future in this case please?A: Can it go faster? B: It could.(I see no sign to the future)

AlpheccaStars · Accepted Answer

Like the present tense, it can refer to times in the past, present and future.

Anon203c8 · Answer

Thanks for the answer.
Could you say to what tense it points please?

CalifJim · Answer

Franky12Hi all, Can the word "could" refer to the future in this case please?A: Can it go faster? B: It could.(I see no sign to the future)

There is an interpretation in which "It could" expresses past time.

A. Can it go faster?
B. It [could / used to be able to] (but it can't anymore now).

There is also a more common interpretation which is timeless. That is, it is simply a matter of logic, and there are no time constraints on logic.

A. Can it go faster?
B. It [could / might]. / Maybe it can go faster. / It is (probably) possible.

CJ

Anon203c8 · Answer

So if they can use 'could' to speak about future, why don't they simply use 'can'!?

CalifJim · Answer

Franky12why don't they simply use 'can'!?

You'll have to ask them.

"can" is also possible. "could" makes the statement weaker, less certain.

CJ

Anon203c8 · Answer

thank you. <img class='emoticon' style='Width:19px;Height:19px;' data-delaysrc='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/1.gif' src='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/1.gif' alt='Emotion: smile'/>

"could" and its meanings on tenses

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