Modal: Could

My sister found a purse on the sidewalk. What could she do?

• She should take it to the principal's office.

• She would take it home.

• She will take it to the police station.

• She could try to find the owner.

You want to go to a party, but your parents won’t let you. What could you do?

• I should talk to my mother and father.

• I could ask my friends to help me.

• I would write a letter to them.

• I will promise to do more chores around the house.

Their teacher did not hear the recess bell. What could the students do?

• They will raise their hand and call her attention.

• They should go to the principal immediately.

• They could remind her that it is time for recess.

• They would all sit still and hope that she notices.

1. The next-door neighbor’s dog is barking very loudly. What could the problem be?

• The dog could be hungry.

• The dog would be very upset at the mailman.

• The dog will be tied to a tree and will be thirsty.

• The dog should be quiet if you call to it.

Your bedroom is very messy and you will be having friends over to visit. What could you and your sister or brother do?

• We should tell our friends not to come over.

• We would tell everyone to go to another house.

• We could all help each other and clean our bedrooms right away.

• We will tell our mother to clean up while we wait.

In your own words, tell when you would use the modal "could". What are you asking when you use "could" in a question or to answer a question?