could (do) and could have (done)

Question 1

sometimes could is

Answer 1

the past of can

Question 2

could is not always past. we also use could (and is also possible can) for

Answer 2

possible actions now or in the future, especially to
make suggestions

[a: What shall we do tonight?
b: We could go to the cinema.]

Question 3

a: What shall we do tonight?
b: We **could **go to the cinema. or We can go to the
cinema.’

Could is

Answer 3

less sure than can

Question 4

We also use could (not can) for actions that

Answer 4

are not realistic

I’m so tired, I could sleep for a week. (not I can sleep for a week)

Question 5

We also use could (not can) to say that something

Answer 5

is possible now or in the future

Question 6

we use could have (done) to

Answer 6

talk about the past

[I’m so tired, I could sleep for a week. (now)
I was so tired, I could have slept for a week. (past)]

Question 7

Something** could have **happened

Answer 7

it was possible, but did not happen
[Why did you stay at a hotel? You could have stayed with me.]