used for saying that someone or something needs a particular thing very much.
7 Effective Ways to Ask for Help (and Get It)
- Demonstrate that you've tried to help yourself.
- Demonstrate that you've acted on the person's advice previously.
- Consider the timing of your request.
- Use the "foot-in-the-door" or the "door-in-the-face."
- Don't make someone guess what you want.
- Make your requests using multiple channels.
- Give help.
used to say that something or someone needs something:
In the phrase, "I could really use a drink," the speaker means to say that he/she really wants to have a drink. You cannot say "using drink" for this purpose. Note: This is applicable to both British and American English.The phrase could use a friend means that the described person is either in trouble or very unhappy. When stated about oneself, it is usually a gentle request for a show of affection or support, often addressed to someone who is already the friend of the speaker.
verb. The definition of could is often used in the place of "can" to show a little doubt. An example of could is someone asking if they can help someone. An example of could is saying that something is able to happen if someone does something.
Definition. to have some company: to have some companionship, people present, friends around. in good company amongst similar people; with friends.
use, employ, utilize mean to put into service especially to attain an end. use implies availing oneself of something as a means or instrument to an end. willing to use any means to achieve her ends employ suggests the use of a person or thing that is available but idle, inactive, or disengaged.
could do with. phrase. If you say that you could do with something, you mean that you need it or would benefit from it. I could do with a cup of tea. The range could do with being extended.
"you could have" = "you should do that in the past" No, it doesn't mean that :) It means that there you had the possibility to do something in the past, but it did not happen. And that meaning fits all your examples: You could have done better on your exam.
Can, like could and would, is used to ask a polite question, but can is only used to ask permission to do or say something ("Can I borrow your car?" "Can I get you something to drink?"). Could is the past tense of can, but it also has uses apart from that--and that is where the confusion lies.
"Could" is a modal verb used to express possibility or past ability as well as to make suggestions and requests. "Could" is also commonly used in conditional sentences as the conditional form of "can." past ability. You could see a movie or go out to dinner.
The most proper way to use these words is to use "could" if you're not sure if the person is able to do something. If you know the person is capable of doing what is asked, then it's better to use "would".
the phrase used to request to talk to a particular person, usually on the telephone. (Also used with talk in place of speak.)
“Could we meet” is an interrogative clause referring to the hypothetical likelihood of meeting with another without signalling intent. “Could we meet” is an interrogative clause referring to the hypothetical likelihood of meeting with another without signalling intent.
"can ever" refers to the ability to dp something. So the first sentence means that it's not possible to imagine how much the world has to offer. So the second sentence means that you'll never imagine how much the world has to offer.
Could is sometimes considered to be the past form of can1, but in this dictionary the two words are dealt with separately. 1. modal verb. 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.
: to be unable to control one's actions or stop oneself from doing something I know I shouldn't be so rude to her, but I can't help myself.
There is no “helpful” way to tell someone you cannot help them. Just tell them that and give them your reason. Oh wait, I guess you are helping them by not wasting their time, if that counts. You could actually help them by referring them to some one who can help then.
cannot?/?can't help something ?Definitions and Synonyms
She couldn't help laughing when she saw it. I shouldn't have said it but I couldn't help myself. can't help thinking (=have good reason for thinking): I couldn't help thinking he was asking for trouble.(someone) can't help but (do something) Use this phrase to talk about something that you can't control. A common word to follow "can't help but" is "wonder". This expresses something that really makes you curious: When you use this phrase in the past tense, "notice" or "overhear" are common.
I feel I'm on cloud nine right now. (21) He is on cloud nine when his girlfriend gives him a kiss. (22) He was on cloud nine after winning the marathon. (23) Kitty was on cloud nine when she heard the good news.
It can mean that you think something is true, for example "I can't help feeling that I am going to be fired soon." It can also mean that you are feeling a certain way or emotion, and you can't change or stop it. Example: "I can't help feeling angry with him."
Definition of get hold of oneself
: to get control of ones' thoughts and emotions and stop behaving in a foolish or uncontrolled way Get a hold of yourself and tell me what happened.Both "How are you?" and "How are you doing?" should generally be taken as a question, to which the reply is often, "Fine, thanks!" or, more formally, "Very well, thank you." However, the whole thing continues to confuse even English people, let alone visitors.
can't stand. Also, can't abide or bear or stomach . Thoroughly dislike; be unable to put up with something or someone. For example, I can't stand the sight of her; she's obnoxious, or I can't bear to leave the country, or I can't stomach a filthy kitchen.
Definition of how can/could. 1 —used to show that one thinks that someone has done or said something shocking or wrong"We don't need his help anyway." "How can you say that?!"How could she just walk away from her children like that? 2 —used to express doubt that something will happen, is possible, etc.
Could, would, and should are all used to talk about possible events or situations, but each one tells us something different. Could is used to say that an action or event is possible. Would is used to talk about a possible or imagined situation, and is often used when that possible situation is not going to happen.
In a statement, the verb comes between: “It is possible”, “It is very possible”. (“Very” is the adjective modifying “possible”, so it has to be next to it.) If that is a phrase after a main verb, then we have “I don't know how it is possible”.
Could have means that something was possible in the past, but it did not happen. Native speakers often do not pronounce their past tense modals as clearly as Tiffany. Could have been usually gets contracted to could've been or even coulda' been.
"Could you please" is generally used when the person obviously can do what you ask, and you want to add more meaning than just "Please hand me my hat." Your tone of voice will indicate whether you are being extra polite (you know you should have picked up your hat before you moved several feet away), or emphasizing
attributive. Able to be or become; possible. 'his new could-be love interest' 'a could-be fatal illness' More example sentences.
adjective. that may or can be, exist, happen, be done, be used, etc.: a disease with no possible cure. that may be true or may be the case, as something concerning which one has no knowledge to the contrary: It is possible that he has already gone.
When conditions allow. Under circumstances which permit. [Infrequently] in locations in which something is possible.
