could
auxiliary verb
kəd,
ˈku̇d
past tense of can
—used in auxiliary function in the past
We found we could go.
, in the past conditionalWe said we would go if we could.
, and as an alternative to can suggesting less force or certainty or as a polite form in the presentIf you could come, we would be pleased.
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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