Understanding and Using Modal Verbs: Understanding and Using Modal Verbs (#14)

The English modal verbs are often challenging for learners
of English. This happens for many reasons, including both
grammar and meaning.

In this Hint, we'll continue with more information on could.

Thus far, we have seen that the modal auxiliary could is used
in several very different ways: (1) as an "artificial" past form
that occurs when sentences with can are used in indirect
(reported) speech and the main verb is past; (2) in making
polite requests in present or future time; and (3) in showing
ability (but not permission) in the past.

A fourth way to use could is showing possibilities in present
or future time. (The degree of possibility shown by could is
less than the degree of possibility shown by may.)

Examples:

Aren't you going to answer the phone? It could be
an important call!

(It's possible, though not likely, that the call is
an important one.)

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It was cooler today and there were a few dark clouds.
We could have some rain tomorrow.

(It's possible, though not likely, that there is going to be
rain tomorrow.)

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Special Notes: