, and as an alternative to can suggesting less force or certainty or as a polite form in the present
If you could come, we would be pleased.
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the WebFor those few moments, the only noises that could be heard were the click of cameras, the occasional hushes among the crowd, and bits of the funeral procession streaming from people’s phones.Time, 19 Sep. 2022 The stately tolling of Big Ben, the famous bell inside the clock tower next to the Houses of Parliament, could be heard over the gun salute and the music of the military band accompanying the gun carriage bearing the queen’s coffin.Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2022 Young Lee broke down during his video statement and could be heard audibly crying. Mariam Khan, ABC News, 19 Sep. 2022 The Bears couldn’t stop Aaron Jones, who went off for 132 yards and a rushing touchdown.BostonGlobe.com, 19 Sep. 2022 Republican attorney general candidate Eric Toney said if the measure passes, law enforcement officers from surrounding communities could stop providing mutual aid. Corrinne Hess, Journal Sentinel, 19 Sep. 2022 On the first drive of Sunday’s game, a typically stout Bengals run defense couldn't stop the Cowboys rushing attack. Charlie Goldsmith, The Enquirer, 18 Sep. 2022 In Saturday’s 30-21 loss to the Mid-American Conference opponent, ASU gave way for stars to emerge from the Eagles and couldn’t stop the momentum. Jenna Ortiz, The Arizona Republic, 18 Sep. 2022 The Sun Devils could not stop the Eagles defensively, were plagued by penalties and became the first Pac-12 school to lose to a MAC school. Catherine Ho, San Francisco Chronicle, 18 Sep. 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Middle English couthe, coude, from Old English cūthe; akin to Old High German konda could