could

pouvoir

Indique qu’une personne était capable de faire quelque chose dans le passé.

En anglais simple : Was or were able to do something in the past.

• I could swim at six.
• She could speak French as a child.
• Could you ride a bike when you were five?

Comment l'utiliser : could + base verb (He could run very fast when he was young.)

Synonymes : was able to, were able to

Expressions courantes : could swim, could read, could speak

pouvoir

Indique qu’une action fait partie des possibilités offertes.

En anglais simple : Used to say that an action is available as a choice.

• We could walk home.
• You could ask your teacher instead.
• She could take the bus or ride her bike.

Comment l'utiliser : could + base verb (You could use my phone.)

Expressions courantes : could go, could try, could stay

pouvoir

S’emploie pour demander poliment si l’on a le droit de faire quelque chose.

En anglais simple : Used to ask politely whether you are allowed to do something.

• Could I sit here?
• Could we leave a little early?
• Could I borrow your pen, please?

Comment l'utiliser : Could I/we + base verb? (Could I open the window?)

Expressions courantes : could I borrow, could we use, could I leave

pouvoir

Indique qu’on serait capable de faire quelque chose si la situation était différente.

En anglais simple : Would be able to do something if a situation were different.

• I could help if I had time.
• If she were taller, she could reach the shelf.
• We could travel more if tickets were cheaper.

Comment l'utiliser : could + base verb + if… (I could buy it if I saved enough money.); wish + subject + could + base verb (I wish I could visit you.)

Synonymes : would be able to

Expressions courantes : could do something, could afford something, could be