The verb
pouvoir is used in
Le Conditionnel Présent to express
could. It uses the same irregular stem as the
Le Futur Simple:
pourr-
Have a look at these sentences:
Je pourrais certainement obtenir un rendez-vous.I could certainly get an appointment.
Pourrais-tu me passer le sel?Could you pass me the salt?
Il pourrait aller à l'université s'il le voulait.He could go to university if he wanted to.
Nous pourrions manger chinois pour changer.We could eat Chinese for a change.
Pourriez-vous l'épeler pour moi, s'il-vous-plaît?Could you spell it for me, please?
Ils pourraient gagner cette année.They could win this year.
pourr- + endings of
L'Imparfait:
-ais, -ais, -ait, -ions, -iez, -aient
The
je form has the same pronunciation as in
Le Futur Simple. Look for the context:
I will be able to vs
I could.
Want to make sure your French sounds confident?
We’ll map your knowledge and give you free lessons to focus on your
gaps and mistakes. Start your Braimap today »
Find your French level for FREE
Test your French to the CEFR standard