Cool MateCould vs May
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
| Could | May | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | used to express possibility or ability in the past | A month in spring. |
| CEFR level | A1 | A2 |
| Usage notes | Used to talk about ability, requests, and possibilities. Considered neutral; avoid in very formal writing. | Use 'May' when talking about the month in a date or events, but do not confuse with 'might', which expresses possibility. |
Frequently asked questions: Could vs May
What's the difference between "Could" and "May"?
"Could" means: used to express possibility or ability in the past "May" means: A month in spring.
When should I use "Could" and "May"?
They can all be used in everyday English.
Are "Could" and "May" the same CEFR level?
"Could" is at A1, "May" is at A2 on the CEFR scale.