Meaning
Voici quelques exemples pour illustrer son usage :
L'expression « I could use » est souvent employée dans des contextes informels pour suggérer une envie sans paraître trop direct ou exigeant. Elle permet de communiquer vos besoins de manière douce et subtile.
Today's Sentences
- I could use a hug.
- I could use a drink.
- I could use a friend.
- I could use a shower.
- I could use some fresh air.
- Writer's Note
01
I could use a hug.
Situation 1
Is everything ok?
I’m feeling a little down today.
Can I do anything to make you feel better?
I could use a hug.
Situation 2
How have you been since your dog passed?
I’ve been okay.
The house seems awfully quiet though.
La maison semble terriblement calme cependant.
What can I do to brighten your day?
I could use a hug.
02
I could use a drink.
Situation 1
Hey, do you have time tonight?
I can meet tonight.
I could use a drink.
Sure, you sound stressed.
Let’s meet at that lounge on 5th.
Retrouvons-nous dans ce lounge sur la 5ème.
Situation 2
What a day!
I could use a drink.
Me too.
Wanna go for a nice cold beer?
Vous voulez aller prendre une bonne bière fraîche ?
Absolutely.
03
I could use a friend.
Situation 1
I’ve been so depressed lately.
Sounds like you’re still grieving.
I could use a friend.
You’re talking to one right now.
I’m here for you.
Je suis là pour vous.
Situation 2
I’ve been a mess since the break up.
You look really sad today.
I could use a friend.
Let’s do something to get your mind off of things.
04
I could use a shower.
Situation 1
You’re so sweaty!
I’ve been at the construction site all day.
You need to wash up, we’re having guests over for dinner.
I could use a shower.
I’ll get ready real quick.
Je vais me préparer rapidement.
Situation 2
I went for a long run this morning.
I thought you took longer than usual to get home.
I could use a shower.
I’ll have breakfast ready for you.
05
I could use some fresh air.
Situation 1
Some days I feel like I need therapy.
Does being a psychologist drain you?
I feel like I get so emotional with my Tuesday patients.
I could use some fresh air.
J'aurais besoin de prendre un peu l'air frais.
Let’s go for a walk and get some coffee.
Self-care is important too!
Prendre soin de soi est également important !
Situation 2
I could use some fresh air.
Is something bothering you?
I’m upset because I couldn’t save someone from the fire last night.
You can’t save everyone.
Go out and get your mind off of things.
Allez dehors et changez-vous les idées.
Writer's Note
Another word to describe "I could use" is "want, need", or "wish I had". Try and substitute "I could use" with the suggested alternatives. Do they fit? Do you have other phrases or situations in your life where you use "want, need", or "wish I had"?
Here are some of my examples:
- I could use a friend. 👉 I need a friend.
- I could use a drink. 👉 I want a drink.
- I could use a new laptop. 👉 I need a new laptop.
- I could use some extra cash. 👉 I wish I had some extra cash.
- I could use some new paintbrushes. 👉 I want some new paintbrushes.
- I could use a bike to get around. 👉 I wish I had a bike to get around.