could (possibility) – English Grammar Profiler
The modality of “could” refers to its ability to express possibility or potentiality in English. When used in this context, “could” indicates that something is possible or feasible but not definite or certain. It suggests that there is a chance or opportunity for something to happen, but it is not guaranteed.
In the English Grammar Profile, B1 point 103 in modality is defined as:
‘could’ to talk about possibility.
PELIC STUDENT EXAMPLE:
My father told us if you recovered soon, then he could either buy gifts for us that we like
or he could take all family members to see the music show that we really want to attend.
Chinese, Female, Level 4, writing class
In this sentence, the condition is “if you recovered soon.” The use of “could” indicates that there are two potential actions or choices available to the father, but they are dependent on the condition being met. The possibilities expressed by “could” are:
- “He could either buy gifts for us that we like”: This option suggests that if the person referred to as “you” in the sentence recovers soon, the father has the possibility of buying gifts that the family members would enjoy.
- “He could take all family members to see the music show that we really want to attend”: This option implies that if the person referred to as “you” recovers soon, the father has the possibility of taking the entire family to a music show that they are eager to attend.
Both possibilities are presented as conditional outcomes, contingent upon the recovery of the person mentioned in the sentence.
Overall, in this context, “could” is used to express the potential actions that the father has the ability or option to take if the condition of a speedy recovery is fulfilled. It conveys the idea of possibility and provides alternative choices based on that condition.
This grammar usage requires manual interpretation and is therefore hard to differentiate it from uses that range from c2-a2. However, one particular formal vocabulary point found in both examples given in the EGP is the adverb ‘really.’
But believe me, it could be really fun…
Could this really happen? Could he really be there…
For this reason, we will just search for this Ngram.
could * really *
B1 vocabulary: blame figure helpful argue complain creative handle imagine taste ugly valuable
1 COULDN’T REALLY TELL 548 2 COULD IT REALLY BE 525 3 COULDN’T REALLY SEE 508 4 COULDN’T REALLY FIND 474 5 COULDN’T REALLY GET 438 6 COULDN’T REALLY BE 370 7 COULD BE REALLY GOOD 366 8 COULDN’T REALLY DO 311 9 COULD BE REALLY USEFUL 267 10 COULD THIS REALLY BE 203 11 COULDN’T REALLY SAY 195 12 COULDN’T REALLY AFFORD 191
13 COULD BE REALLY COOL 180