Could and Could have

Could and Could have

Hello English learners. Welcome to a new lesson. We will talk about the use and the difference between could and could have.

Knowing grammar rules helps you express your thoughts in a more relaxed way because you understand how the language works. Some language teachers believe that grammar is the most important element in learning a language although it can be complex and ambiguous at times.

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Could

Let’s start with could.

Could is a past form of can. We use it to express ability in the past.

• 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.

Could and could have

We can use could to express possibility as well.

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

Could can be used for unrealistic or imaginary situations.

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

We can use could to say that something might be possible to be or happen in the present or in the future.

• You could understand English better if you practice listening.
• Could the block out last long?
• You could get arrested for shoplifting.
• If you buy a lottery ticket you could get million pounds.
• It’s very warm today but it could change quickly.

Could and could have

And lastly, we can use could to make requests and ask for permission.

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

Could have

If we want to say that something was possible to be or happen in the past, we use could have + past participle.

• I wish I could have met up with 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 hadn’t

We can use could have + past participle to talk about possibility in the past.

Could and could have

• 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.

Find more about the difference between can, could and be able to on this link

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