pourrait
could
In French, 'pourrait' is the conditional form of the verb 'pouvoir', which means 'to be able to'. It generally translates as 'could' in English. It is used to express possibilities, ability, permission and various other concepts that the English word 'could' covers. However, context is important as sometimes it may have different translations in English.
Example sentences using: pourrait
Il pourrait pleuvoir demain.
It could rain tomorrow.
This expression is used when predicting or forecasting something uncertain - in this case, the possibility of raining tomorrow.
Elle pourrait arriver en retard.
She could arrive late.
This statement expresses the potentiality of a girl/woman arriving late. Here, 'pourrait' is used in a very practical, everyday life context about punctuality.
Pourrait-on partir plus tôt?
Could we leave earlier?
Here, 'pourrait' is used in a question, asking for the possibility of leaving earlier. It's a polite and indirect way of suggesting or requesting something.
Je ne pensais pas qu'elle pourrait le faire.
I didn't think she could do it.
This sentence reflects disbelief or surprise in someone else's ability to perform a certain task. 'Pourrait' emphasizes on this unforeseen capability.
Cette solution pourrait fonctionner.
This solution could work.
The sentence is used when discussing potential solutions to a problem. The word 'pourrait' emphasizes uncertain optimism about the outcome.
Il pourrait devenir président un jour.
He could become president one day.
The use of 'pourrait' here indicates speculative prediction about future. It signifies the potential future position of someone.
Il pourrait y avoir des conséquences.
There could be consequences.
This phrase is often used in context of discussing future implications or results of actions. 'Pourrait' is used to communicate uncertainty about these outcomes.
Tu pourrais être plus poli.
You could be more polite.
'Pourrait' here is used to give a suggestion or advice. It communicates the speaker's expectation of others' behavior.
Celui-ci pourrait être le bon.
This one could be the right one.
This is an expression of uncertainty or hope regarding a choice or decision. 'Pourrait' reveals the speaker's hopeful consideration.
Le bus pourrait être en retard.
The bus could be late.
In this context, 'pourrait' is used to speculate or predict the potentiality of a common occurrence - late arrival of a bus.