How to say “could” in French

“Could” is an important modal verb in English, used to express possibility, ability, or permission. If you’re learning French, it’s essential to understand how to express these concepts in the language. In this blog post, we’ll explore different ways to say “could” in French.

1. “Pouvoir” – This is the most common way to say “could” in French. It is used to express the ability to do something, or to express possibility. For example: “Je pourrais y aller si j’ai le temps” (I could go there if I have time).
2. “Savoir” – This is another way to express possibility or ability in French. It is often used in a more formal or written context. For example: “Je saurais le faire si j’en avais le temps” (I could do it if I had the time).

3. “Devoir” – This verb is used to express obligation or necessity in French. It can also be used to express possibility or ability in some cases. For example: “Il devrait pouvoir le faire” (He should be able to do it).

   4. “Pouvoir être capable de” – This is another way to express ability in French. It is often used when expressing a high level of certainty. For example: “Je devrais être capable de le faire” (I should be able to do it).

   In conclusion, “pouvoir” is the most common way to say “could” in French, while “savoir” and “devoir” can also be used in some cases to express possibility, ability, or obligation. Understanding these different ways to say “could” will help you express yourself more effectively in French.

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