Complete Guide to the Modal Verb “Could” with Examples in English and Hindi

Modal verbs are essential in English grammar as they help express ability, possibility, permission, and polite requests. Among them, “could” is one of the most useful modal verbs. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the meaning, uses, sentence structures, and rules of “could” with detailed explanations and examples in both English and Hindi.

Meaning of “Could” (Could का अर्थ)

“Could” is the past form of “can” and is used to express:

• Past Ability (बीती हुई क्षमता) – पहले कर पाने की योग्यता
• Polite Requests (विनम्र निवेदन) – आदरपूर्वक अनुरोध करना
• Possibility (संभावना) – कुछ होने की सम्भावना
• Suggestions (सुझाव) – सलाह देना
• Hypothetical Situations (काल्पनिक स्थितियाँ) – असम्भव या काल्पनिक परिस्थितियों के बारे में बात करना

Uses of “Could” with Detailed Explanation

1. Expressing Past Ability (बीते समय की क्षमता)

Used to show that someone had the ability to do something in the past.

Structure: Subject + could + V1 (base verb)
Examples:

• I could run fast when I was young. (जब मैं छोटा था तो तेज दौड़ सकता था।)
• She could speak French in college. (वह कॉलेज में फ्रेंच बोल सकती थी।)

2. Making Polite Requests (विनम्र अनुरोध)

Used to make requests more polite than “can”.

Structure: Could + you + V1?
Examples:

• Could you please pass the salt? (क्या आप नमक दे सकेंगे कृपया?)
• Could you help me with this? (क्या आप मेरी इस काम में मदद कर सकेंगे?)

3. Expressing Possibility (संभावना)

Used to show that something is possible in present or future.

Structure: Subject + could + V1
Examples:

• It could rain tomorrow. (कल बारिश हो सकती है।)
• He could be at home now. (वह अभी घर पर हो सकता है।)

4. Giving Suggestions (सुझाव देना)

Used to give suggestions or advice.

Structure: You + could + V1
Examples:

• You could try calling him. (आप उसे फोन करके देख सकते हैं।)
• We could go to the park. (हम पार्क जा सकते हैं।)

5. Hypothetical Situations (काल्पनिक स्थितियाँ)

Used to talk about imaginary situations.

Structure: If + subject + could + V1
Examples:

• If I could fly, I would travel the world. (अगर मैं उड़ सकता, तो दुनिया घूमता।)
• She could have won if she had tried. (अगर उसने कोशिश की होती तो जीत सकती थी।)

Negative Form of “Could” – Could not/Couldn’t

To make negative sentences, we use “could not” or “couldn’t”.

Structure: Subject + could not/couldn’t + V1
Examples:

• I couldn’t swim when I was five. (जब मैं पाँच साल का था तो तैर नहीं सकता था।)
• She couldn’t attend the meeting. (वह मीटिंग में नहीं आ सकी।)

Question Form of “Could”

To form questions, “could” comes before the subject.

Structure: Could + subject + V1?
Examples:

• Could you help me? (क्या आप मेरी मदद कर सकेंगे?)
• Could they finish the work? (क्या वे काम पूरा कर सकेंगे?)

Important Rules About “Could”

1. “Could” never changes its form (no -s, -ing, or -ed).
   • Wrong: She coulds swim.
   • Correct: She could swim.
2. It is always followed by V1 (base verb).
   • Wrong: He could to swim.
   • Correct: He could swim.
3. “Could” is more polite than “can” when making requests.

15 Examples of “Could” in English and Hindi

S.No.	English Sentence	Hindi Translation
1.	I could ride a bicycle at age 6.	मैं 6 साल की उम्र में साइकिल चला सकता था।
2.	Could you please open the window?	क्या आप कृपया खिड़की खोल सकेंगे?
3.	It could snow tonight.	आज रात बर्फबारी हो सकती है।
4.	You could try this restaurant.	आप इस रेस्टोरेंट में कोशिश कर सकते हैं।
5.	If I could sing, I would join the choir.	अगर मैं गा सकता तो कोयर में शामिल होता।
6.	She couldn’t solve the puzzle.	वह पहेली नहीं सुलझा सकी।
7.	Could I borrow your book?	क्या मैं आपकी किताब उधार ले सकता हूँ?
8.	They could win the match.	वे मैच जीत सकते हैं।
9.	We couldn’t find the keys.	हमें चाबियाँ नहीं मिल सकीं।
10.	Could you speak slowly?	क्या आप धीरे बोल सकेंगे?
11.	He could play guitar well.	वह गिटार अच्छा बजा सकता था।
12.	You could take a break now.	आप अभी विश्राम कर सकते हैं।
13.	Could this be true?	क्या यह सच हो सकता है?
14.	I couldn’t understand the lesson.	मैं पाठ समझ नहीं सका।
15.	Could we meet tomorrow?	क्या हम कल मिल सकते हैं?

Conclusion

Understanding and using “could” correctly will make your English more natural and polite. Whether you’re talking about past abilities, making requests, or discussing possibilities, “could” is an essential modal verb to master.

“Could” का सही उपयोग सीखकर आप अपनी अंग्रेज़ी को और अधिक प्रभावशाली बना सकते हैं!

Practice these examples regularly to improve your English fluency! 

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