Cool MateMeaning of Couldn't
The contraction for 'could not', indicating inability to do something.
In simple words: Could not; a way to say you are not able to do something.
Couldn't in a sentence
- I couldn't finish my homework on time.
- She said she couldn't attend the meeting due to a conflict.
- They couldn't find the keys anywhere.
- He couldn't believe his eyes when he saw the surprise.
- We couldn't agree on a time to meet.
- I couldn't hear you over the noise.
How to use Couldn't
Used to express inability, often when explaining reasons. Common in spoken and casual written English. Avoid in very formal contexts.
Grammar pattern
standalone phrase
Memory hint
Think of a couldn't cat that can't jump over a fence.
Related words
Collocations with Couldn't
- couldn't help but
- couldn't care less
- couldn't wait
- couldn't believe
- couldn't make it
Synonyms for Couldn't
- was unable to
- could not be
- failed to
- did not manage to
Opposites of Couldn't
- could
- was able to
Common mistakes with Couldn't
- Confused with 'could of' instead of 'couldn't'.
- Use in positive sentences; it should always be in negative.
- Misuse in formal writing; better to use 'was unable to'.
Couldn't appears in
Couldn't in other languages
More words like Couldn't
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An enthusiastic invitation to begin an activity.
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The result of adding the numbers two and two, often used idiomatically to indicate something obvious.
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Each male receives a portion of something.
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Individuals that someone is familiar with or has a relationship with.
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to put powder, lipstick, etc. on your/somebody’s face to make it more attractive or to prepare for an appearance in the theatre, on television, etc.
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Frequently asked questions about Couldn't
What does Couldn't mean?
Could not; a way to say you are not able to do something.
What is the definition of Couldn't?
The contraction for 'could not', indicating inability to do something.
How do you use Couldn't in a sentence?
I couldn't finish my homework on time.
Can you give another example of Couldn't?
She said she couldn't attend the meeting due to a conflict.
What are synonyms for Couldn't?
Common alternatives include was unable to, could not be, failed to, did not manage to.
What is the opposite of Couldn't?
Opposite meanings include could, was able to.
What words go with Couldn't?
It commonly pairs with couldn't help but, couldn't care less, couldn't wait, couldn't believe, couldn't make it.
What are common mistakes when using Couldn't?
Confused with 'could of' instead of 'couldn't'. Use in positive sentences; it should always be in negative. Misuse in formal writing; better to use 'was unable to'.
How do you pronounce Couldn't?
US: //ˈkʊdnt//, UK: //ˈkʊdnt//. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.
When should I use Couldn't?
Used to express inability, often when explaining reasons. Common in spoken and casual written English. Avoid in very formal contexts.