could

1. Conditional of can

   Used as a past subjunctive (contrary to fact).

   I think he could do it if he really wanted to.

   I wish I could fly!

2. Used to politely ask for permission to do something.

   Could I borrow your coat?

3. Used to politely ask for someone else to do something.

   Could you proofread this email?

   I wonder, you couldn't loan me the money, could you?

4. Used to show the possibility that something might happen.

   We could rearrange the time if you like.

5. Used to suggest something.

   You could try adding more salt to the soup.

1. I wish I could speak English.

   Я би хотів уміти говорити англійською. — deniko

   ruЖаль, что я не говорю по-английски. — sharptoothed

   deIch wünschte, ich könnte Englisch sprechen. — Esperantostern

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2. Excuse me, could I get past?

   Перепрошую, можна мені пройти? — deniko

   ruИзвините, можно я пройду? — Xitsa

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3. I wish I could help you.

   Я б хотів тобі якось допомогти. — aandrusiak

   ruЯ бы хотел тебе помочь. — marafon

   deIch wünschte, ich könnte dir helfen. — lilygilder

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4. I could answer all the questions.

   Я міг відповісти на всі запитання. — deniko

   ruЯ мог ответить на все вопросы. — Balamax

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5. No one could find the answer.

   Ніхто не міг знайти відповідь. — aandrusiak

   ruНикто не мог найти ответа. — sharptoothed

   deNiemand konnte eine Antwort finden. — sebby

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Modal verbs have one form for every person and take a bare infinitive.