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Use Examples

Ability to do something in the past. (substitute form: to I could speak English.
be able to)

Permission to do something in the past (substitute I could go to the cinema.
form: to be allowed to)

Polite question Could I go to the cinema, please?

Polite request Could you wait a moment, please?

I could lend you my car till
Polite offer
tomorrow.

Could we visit Grandma at the
Polite suggestion
weekend?

Possibility It could get very hot in Montana.

3. may

Use Examples

Possibility It may rain today.

Permission to do something in the present (substitute form: to be May I go to the