Modal Auxiliary Verbs –Could

The modal verb could is most often used as a past-tense version of can, indicating what
someone or something was able to do in the past; it can also be used instead of can as a
more polite way of making a request or asking for permission.

El verbo modal Could (poder en pasado) se usa con mayor frecuencia como una
versión en tiempo pasado de can, que indica lo que alguien o algo pudo hacer en el
pasado. También se puede utilizar en lugar de la lata como una forma más educada
de hacer una solicitud o pedir permiso.

Uses of Could (Uso de Poder-en pasado)

 to express an ability in the past (para expresar una habilidad en el pasado):

I could bake this delicious cake.

She could not drive her new car.

 to express past or future permission (para expresar permiso o consentimiento en tiempo

pasado o futuro):

Could I have my cat in your garden?

He could go to the party with his friends.

 to express present possibility (para expresar una posiblidad en tiempo presente):

We could always spend the afternoon in the park.

He could watch tv every day.

 to express possibility-it uses de clue IF (para expresar posibilidad – en ese caso se usa la
cláusula condicional SI):

If he studied harder, he could pass this course.

If you did your homework, you could leave.

Note: Could is synonym of to be able to. See the examples:

1. I could file the documents.  I was able to file the documents.

2. Could they lead the employees?  Were they able to lead the employees?
3. Sam could not type the letter.  Sam was not able to type the letter.