could

/kʊd/

verb

simple past tense of can / Used as a past subjunctive (contrary to fact). / Used to politely ask for permission to do something. / Used to politely ask for someone else to do something.

She could swim when she was five years old.

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意味（1）

simple past tense of can

Before I was blind, I could see very well.

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意味（2）

Used as a past subjunctive (contrary to fact).

I think he could do it if he really wanted to.

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意味（3）

Used to politely ask for permission to do something.

Could I borrow your coat?

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意味（4）

Used to politely ask for someone else to do something.

Could you proofread this email?

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意味（5）

Used to show the possibility that something might happen.

Even without hovering drones, a lurking assassin, a thumping score and a denouement, the real-life story of Edward Snowden, a rogue spy on the run, could be straight out of the cinema. But, as with Hollywood, the subplots and exotic locations may distract from the real message: America’s discomfort and its foes’ glee.

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