couldn't
couldn't — modal verb
1. the usual short spoken and informal written form used instead of could not
1.情態動詞A1
釋義
the usual short spoken and informal written form used instead of could not
例句
Jude couldn't find his glasses on the train this morning.
couldn't + base verb for past inability
Eri couldn't come to dinner because her flight landed late.
We couldn't hear Bilal over the music in the gym.
The old lock couldn't be opened after last night's heavy rain.
The nurse couldn't reach the village before sunset.
同義詞
- could not
the full form, used for emphasis or in more formal writing
反義詞
- could
the positive form used when ability or possibility is present
文法句型
couldn't + base verb
用法筆記
Common in speech and informal writing; the full form could not is more formal or adds emphasis.
常見錯誤
❌I couldn't to sleep last night.
✅I couldn't sleep last night.
💡After couldn't, use the base verb without to.
❌She couldn't went to class yesterday.
✅She couldn't go to class yesterday.
💡After couldn't, use the base form, not the past form.