English pronunciation · Words Starting with C
Could Pronunciation
Could is pronounced KUUD, IPA /ˈkʊd/.
KUUD
US /ˈkʊd/ · UK /ˈkʊd/
Syllables: KUUD (1 syllable)
modal verb: Used to talk about ability in the past, or about something that is possible or polite to ask.
Audio for the American and British pronunciations plays on this page with JavaScript enabled.
Could in a Sentence
- She could read before she started school.
- Could you pass me the salt?
- It could rain later, so take a jacket.
Common Mispronunciations of Could
Not KOOLD
The l is silent. Could, should, and would all keep the letter and drop the sound.
Not KOOD
Use the short pull of book and foot rather than the long oo of food. Could rhymes with good, not with brewed.
Tip: In ordinary speech could reduces further to kuhd, and could have runs together as could've, roughly KUUD-uhv. It is never could of, however much it sounds that way.
More words starting with c · Every word in the pronunciation guide