8 Expert Ways to Use “Could” in English | Grammar Lesson for Real Conversations

This lesson was originally published in July 2018. It’s now fully updated with new examples, fresh explanations, and clear guidance to help you master one of the most flexible—and confusing—modal verbs in English.

You need to ask for help in English. Should be simple, right?

Just say, “Can you help me?”

Or wait — is it better to say, “Could you help me?”

You hesitate. You overthink it. And the moment passes.

Sound familiar?

The word could seems simple, but it’s surprisingly powerful — and versatile.

In fact, English speakers use could in 8 very different ways… from polite requests to showing regret.

If no one has ever broken this down for you, it can feel overwhelming. But once you know the differences — and how to use could with confidence — your English will sound more natural, more polite, and more professional.

In this lesson, I’ll show you:

• 8 expert ways we use could in everyday English

• Real examples from work, life, and conversations

• The small changes that make a big difference in how you’re understood

Here’s the full video lesson with real examples and step-by-step practice:

Here’s a summary on 8 Expert Ways to Use ‘Could’ in English:

1. Use “Could” to Make Polite Requests

One of the most common uses of could is to make polite requests.

Instead of:

• Can you help me with this report?

Try:

• Could you help me with this report?

Other examples:

• Could you send me the agenda for tomorrow’s meeting?

• Could I borrow your pen for a moment?

• Could we reschedule our call for later this week?

Want to sound even more polite? Just add “please.”

• Could you please send me the agenda?

Why this matters:
Using could instead of can softens your tone and sounds more professional. It’s perfect for emails, meetings, or any moment when you want to build trust without sounding too direct.

Try it now:
What’s a request you often make in English?

2. Use “Could” to Talk About Past Abilities

We use could to talk about things we were able to do in the past, especially skills or abilities we had over time.

Examples:

• When I was younger, I could run five miles without stopping.

• She could speak French fluently when she lived in Paris.

• My grandfather could play the piano beautifully.

But here’s something important:

Could is not used for one-time events in the past. Use was able to or managed to instead.

• ❌ I could pass the exam yesterday. (Incorrect)

• ✅ I was able to pass the exam yesterday. (Correct)

• ✅ I managed to pass the exam yesterday. (Even more natural in conversation.)

Why this matters:
This subtle difference makes your English sound polished and accurate. Misusing could in this way is one of the most common grammar slips I hear.

Quick tip:
Use could for general ability. Use was able to or managed to for specific successes.

3. Use “Could” to Make Suggestions

Could is perfect for offering ideas without sounding pushy.

Examples:

• You could try calling customer support.

• We could go out for dinner instead of cooking.

• You could take a day off if you’re feeling exhausted.

Want to soften the tone even more? Add maybe or perhaps.

• Maybe you could talk to your manager about it.

• Perhaps we could find a solution together.

Why this matters:
Using could instead of should gives the other person space. It feels more respectful and less demanding.

Practice prompt:
Think of a suggestion you gave recently. How would it sound if you used could instead?

4. Use “Could” to Express Possibilities

We also use could to talk about things that might happen—they’re possible, but not certain.

Examples:

• It could rain later, so take an umbrella.

• She could be at home right now, but I’m not sure.

• This could be a great opportunity for you.

What’s the difference between can and could?

• Can = general truths or abilities. (Dogs can swim.)

• Could = specific possibilities. (We could be late if we don’t leave now.)

Why this matters:
Using could correctly shows you understand nuance. It helps you sound more natural and in control of your message.

5. Use “Could” in Hypothetical Situations (Second Conditionals)

We often use could in conditional sentences to describe something that isn’t real right now, but might be possible if the situation were different.

Examples:

• If I had more time, I could learn another language.

• If we lived closer, we could meet for coffee more often.

• If she worked harder, she could get a promotion.

What’s the difference between would and could?

• Would = definite result. (I would do it.)

• Could = possibility or ability. (I might be able to do it.)

Why this matters:
This is one of the trickiest areas of grammar for English learners. But mastering it will dramatically improve your ability to talk about dreams, plans, or alternative realities.

Want to go deeper? I have multiple lessons on the conditional forms in English.

6. Use “Could” to Show Hesitation or Uncertainty (a Soft No)

Sometimes we use could to express hesitation—or to politely say no.

Examples:

• I could go to the party, but I’m not sure yet.

• I could say something, but I don’t want to start a debate.

• I could help, but I have a lot on my plate right now.

Instead of saying:

• I don’t want to go. (Too direct.)

Try saying:

• I could go, but I might just stay in tonight. (Softer and more polite.)

Why this matters:
Saying no is hard—especially in English. Using could gives you a polite way to stay honest and respectful.

P.S. If you struggle with saying no, check out my lesson: How to Say No in English Politely (Without Feeling Guilty)

7. Use “Could Have” to Express Regret or Missed Opportunities

This is how we talk about things we didn’t do, but had the chance to do.

Examples:

• I could have studied harder. (But I didn’t.)

• We could have left earlier. (But we didn’t, and we got stuck.)

• She could have called me. (She had the chance, but forgot.)

What’s the difference between could have and should have?

• Could have = It was possible, but it didn’t happen.

• Should have = It was the right thing to do, but it didn’t happen.

Mini-story:
A friend of mine was invited to present at work. She wanted to say yes, but fear got in the way. She later told me, “I could have done it, but I didn’t. And now I regret it.”

That’s the power of could have — it helps us reflect on what might have been.

Reflection moment:
Think of something you missed this week.

8. Use “Could” to Give Formal or Professional Opinions

In professional settings, could helps you share ideas without sounding too forceful.

Examples:

• This could suggest that more research is needed.
• One could argue that social media changes the way we communicate.
• An alternative solution could be to hire an external consultant.

Instead of saying:

• We need to change our strategy. (Too strong.)

Try:

• This data could suggest we need to adjust our strategy. (More professional.)

Why this matters:
Using could this way helps you sound thoughtful, analytical, and diplomatic—a key skill for confident English communication at work.

Practice Challenge: Try It Yourself

Let’s put could into action. Choose one question and answer it in the comments below:

• What could you do next weekend?

• What could your company do to help employees?

• How could AI improve your work-life balance?

Share your answers in the comments.

All my best,

Annemarie

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