Question

What is the use of the modal verb 'could'?

1) To denote an idea that happened before and is not occurring in the present
2) To express ability or possibility
3) To make requests or offers
4) To give advice or make suggestions

Answer 1

The modal verb 'could' has several uses: expressing ability or possibility, making requests or offers, and giving advice or making suggestions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The modal verb 'could' has several uses:

1. To express ability or possibility, as in 'I could run a marathon' or 'It could rain tomorrow.'
2. To make requests or offers, such as 'Could you please pass the salt?' or 'I could help you with your homework.'
3. To give advice or make suggestions, like 'You could try studying earlier for better grades.'

Overall, 'could' is used to talk about hypothetical situations, to state possibilities or abilities, to ask for something politely, or to make suggestions or give advice.