Google tells you exactly what you're looking for: could kəd, kʊd/ verb modal verb: could past of can. -used to indicate possibility. ---"they could be right" -used in making suggestions or polite requests. ---"you could always ring him up" -used to indicate annoyance because of something that has not been done. ---"they could have told me!" -used to indicate a strong inclination to do something. ---"he irritates me so much that I could scream" can kan/ verb modal verb: can 1. -be able to. ---"they can run fast" -be able to through acquired knowledge or skill. ---"I can speak Italian" -have the opportunity or possibility to. ---"there are many ways holidaymakers can take money abroad" -used to express doubt or surprise about the possibility of something's being the case. ---"he can't have finished" -used to indicate that something is typically the case. ---"antique clocks can seem out of place in modern homes" 2. -be permitted to. ---"you can use the phone if you want to" 3. -used to request someone to do something. ---"can you open the window?" -used to make a suggestion or offer. ---"we can have another drink if you like"