Could and could have

Could and could have

Hello English learners. Welcome to a new lesson! Today, we will explore the use and differences between could and could have. Good grammar allows you to express yourself with confidence because you understand how the language works. While some teachers argue that grammar is the most important part of learning a language — even though it can sometimes be complex — it certainly helps you communicate more clearly.

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COULD

Ability in the past

Could is the past form of can.

• I can swim → I could swim when I was 5.
• Simon can’t find a parking space. → He couldn’t find a parking space yesterday.

Possibility

We use could to talk about something that is possible now or in the future.

• If we earn enough money, we could buy that house.
• It could be hours before the operation is over.
• If there isn’t much traffic, they could be home by 6.

Unreal, imaginary, or hypothetical situations

• I wish I could fly a plane.
• Wouldn’t it be great if we could travel more often?
• If only I could have a beach house on a tropical island.

General possibilities (present/future)

• You could understand English better if you practised listening.
• Could the blackout last long?
• You could get arrested for shoplifting.
• If you buy a lottery ticket, you could win a million pounds.
• It’s very warm today, but the weather could change quickly.

Requests and permission

We also use could to make polite requests or ask for permission.

• Could you send a taxi to this address?
• Could I book a double room, please?
• Do you think I could use your phone?
• Could I ask you something personal?

COULD HAVE

Something was possible in the past, but didn’t happen

Structure: could have + past participle

• I wish I could have met my friend yesterday, but I had to work late.
• When I was younger, I could have stayed awake all night.
• Sean could have avoided the accident if he’d turned left.
• Marin could have phoned us, but he didn’t.

Past possibility

• They could have hired you if you had applied for the job.
• Sara could have died if the doctors hadn’t been so efficient.
• They couldn’t have gone on a trip last week anyway because Peter was ill.

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