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MODAL
能;會
You use could to indicate that someone had the ability to do something. You use could not or couldn't to say that someone was unable to do something.
例句
For my return journey, I felt I could afford the extra and travel first class...
至于回程，我覺得我能多花點錢坐頭等艙。
I could see that something was terribly wrong...
我能覺察到有什么事很不對頭。
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MODAL
可能會;有時會
You use could to indicate that something sometimes happened.
例句
Though he had a temper and could be nasty, it never lasted...
雖然他愛發脾氣，而且有時還很討厭，但向來都只是一陣兒。
He could be very pleasant when he wanted to.
他想要友好的時候會非常友好。
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MODAL
本能夠，本可以(表示某事本有可能發生但卻并未發生)
You use could have to indicate that something was a possibility in the past, although it did not actually happen.
例句
He could have made a fortune as a lawyer...
他本可以當律師掙大錢的。
You could have been killed!...
你差點兒就沒命了！
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MODAL
(表示某事可能屬實或可能發生)可能
You use could to indicate that something is possibly true, or that it may possibly happen.
例句
Doctors told him the disease could have been caused by years of working in smokey clubs...
醫生們告訴他這種疾病可能是由于多年在煙霧繚繞的俱樂部工作所致。
An improvement in living standards could be years away...
可能多年之后生活水平才能得到提高。
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MODAL
(表示某事不屬實)不可能
You use could not or couldn't to indicate that it is not possible that something is true.
例句
They argued all the time and thought it couldn't be good for the baby...
他們一直在爭論，認為這對孩子肯定不好。
Anne couldn't be expected to understand the situation...
別指望安妮能弄明白當前情勢。
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MODAL
(表示可能性、能力或機會)可能
You use could to talk about a possibility, ability, or opportunity that depends on other conditions.
例句
Their hope was that a new and better East Germany could be born...
他們希望能夠誕生一個嶄新的、更加美好的東德。
I knew that if I spoke to Myra, I could get her to call my father.
我知道如果我同邁拉講一聲，就能讓她給我父親打電話。
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MODAL
好像；仿佛
You use could when you are saying that one thing or situation resembles another.
例句
The charming characters she draws look like they could have walked out of the 1920s.
她畫的那些優雅迷人的人物就好像是從20世紀30年代走出來的一樣。
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MODAL
(表示提議或建議)可以
You use could, or couldn't in questions, when you are making offers and suggestions.
例句
I could call the local doctor...
我可以給當地醫生打電話。
We need money right? We could go around and ask if people need odd jobs done or something...
咱們需要錢，對不對？咱們可以去周圍打聽一下看有沒有人要找人做零工什么的。
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MODAL
(用于禮貌地提出請求或征得許可。當說話者意識到可能被拒絕時，可以用 couldn't 代替 could)能，可以
You use could in questions when you are making a polite request or asking for permission to do something. Speakers sometimes use couldn't instead of 'could' to show that they realize that their request may be refused.
例句
Could I stay tonight?...
我今晚可以留下嗎？
Could I speak to you in private a moment, John?...
約翰，我可以單獨跟你說一會兒話嗎？
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MODAL
(用以禮貌地打斷某人或引出將要說的話)請允許我
People sometimes use structures with if I could or could I as polite ways of interrupting someone or of introducing what they are going to say next.
例句
Well, if I could just interject...
嗯，請允許我插一句。
Could I stop you there?...
我能打斷您一下嗎？
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MODAL
(用以強調某人應該做所提及的事情，尤用于當說話者因為其沒做該事而生氣時)
You use could to say emphatically that someone ought to do the thing mentioned, especially when you are annoyed because they have not done it. You use why couldn't in questions to express your surprise or annoyance that someone has not done something.
例句
We've come to see you, so you could at least stand and greet us properly...
我們都來看你了，你至少應該起身得體地打個招呼。
Idiot! You could have told me!...
蠢貨！你本應該告訴我！
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MODAL
(表示想要做某事的強烈感情)
You use could when you are expressing strong feelings about something by saying that you feel as if you want to do the thing mentioned, although you do not do it.
例句
I could kill you! I swear I could!...
我想殺了你！我發誓我真想殺了你！
'Welcome back' was all they said. I could have kissed them!...
他們只是說，“歡迎回來。”我真想親他們一下！
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MODAL
(用在if后以談論沒有能力或機會做但為考慮可能的結果而設想去做的事)
You use could after 'if' when talking about something that you do not have the ability or opportunity to do, but which you are imagining in order to consider what the likely consequences might be.
例句
If I could afford it I'd have four television sets...
假如能買得起，我就會有4臺電視機。
If only I could get some sleep, I would be able to cope.
要是能睡上一會兒，我就能應付了。
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MODAL
(與比較級連用，強調某物或某人具備某種特征的程度)太…，再…不過
You use could not or couldn't with comparatives to emphasize that someone or something has as much as is possible of a particular quality. For example, if you say 'I couldn't be happier', you mean that you are extremely happy.
例句
The rest of the players are a great bunch of lads and I couldn't be happier...
剩下的選手是一幫很棒的小伙子，我太高興了。
Darling Neville, I couldn't be more pleased for you...
親愛的內維爾，我真太為你高興了。
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MODAL
怎么會(用在疑問句中強調對所發生的不愉快之事的感受)
In speech, you use how could in questions to emphasize that you feel strongly about something bad that has happened.
例句
How could you allow him to do something like that?...
你怎么會允許他做那樣的事？
How could I have been so stupid?...
我怎么會那么蠢？
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CONVENTION
不用了(謝絕更多的食物或飲品)
You say 'I couldn't' to refuse an offer of more food or drink.
例句
'More cake?' — 'Oh no, I couldn't.'
“再來點蛋糕？”——“哦不，不用了。”