How to use a modal verb: Could (วิธีใช้ modal verb: Could)

'Could' can be used to talk about the past, the present or the future.

'Could' is a past form of 'can'

ใช้ Could เพื่อบอกว่าเคยทำสิ่งใดได้ในอดีต

· When I was living in Boston, I could walk to work.

· He phoned to say he couldn't come.

· I could see him clearly but I couldn't hear him and then the videoconference line went dead.

'Could' is used to make polite requests. We can also use 'can' for these but 'could' is more polite.

ใช้ Could เพื่อขอร้องอย่างสุภาพ

· Could you help me, please?

· Could you lend me some money?

· Could I have a lift?

· Could I bother you for a moment?

If we use 'could' in reply to these requests, it suggests that we do not really want to do it. If you agree to the request, it is better to say 'can'

ถ้าเราใช้ Could ตอบต่อคำขอร้องของผู้อื่นมันจะแสดงเป็นนัยว่าเราไม่ต้องการที่จะช่วยทำในสิ่งที่เขาขอร้องจริง ๆ

ถ้าเราตกลงใจที่จะช่วยทำในสิ่งที่เขาขอร้องให้ใช้ can

· Of course I can.

· I could help you if it's really necessary but I'm really busy right now.

· I could lend you some money but I'd need it back tomorrow without fail.

· I could give you a lift as far as Birmingham.

'Could' is used to talk about theoretical possibility and is similar in meaning to 'might'.

ใช้ Could เพื่อพูดเกี่ยวกับความเป็นไปได้ มีความหมายคล้ายกับ might

· It could rain later. Take an umbrella.

· He could be there by now.

· Could he be any happier?

· It could be Sarah's.

lift n. [countable] = ride in a car

if you give someone a lift, you take them somewhere in your car

Example:

Do you want a lift into town?

John gave me a lift home.

He very kindly offered me a lift.