Differences between the verbs can and could
Discover the difference between two of the most important modal verbs: the modal verb can and the modal verb could. If you want to learn more about different modal verbs, join ABA English to keep advancing.
Definition of the modal verb can
Can is a modal verb and must be accompanied by a main verb in its base form.
Let’s see how it is used with some examples:
1. Present ability
- He can do this task. (He can do this task).
- I can’t play the piano but I can play the violin. (I can’t play the piano but I can play the violin).
2. Permission
The modal verb can can be used to ask for, grant, or deny permission in an informal setting.
- Can I have another glass of water, please? Yes, of course, you can. (Can I have another glass of water, please? Of course).
- You can come to my party if you wish. (You can come to my party if you want.)
- He can’t come because he is too young. (He can’t come because he is too young).
Definition of the modal verb could
Could is also a modal verb and must be accompanied by another verb with its own meaning in the base form.
It is used to express several things:
Past ability
- I could skate when I was five. (I could skate when I was five).
- My sister could swim when my parents lived in Benidorm. (My sister could swim when my parents lived in Benidorm).
Possibility
We use could to express that something is possible or that there is a probability something will happen.
- I could lend it to you if you need it. (I could lend it to you if you need it).
Polite permission requests
- Could you pass me the salt, please? (Could you pass me the salt, please?)
- Could I speak to you later, please? (Could I speak to you later, please?)
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Differences between the modal verb can and the modal verb could
Usually, depending on the context, the difference between the modal verbs can and could is quite clear.
Let us remember that both are used as auxiliary verbs, which means they must be accompanied by another verb with its own meaning.
Below we list the most remarkable differences.
1. Tense
The modal verb can is mainly used to talk about an ability in the present.
The modal verb could is used to talk about an ability in the past.
Examples:
- I can swim. (I can swim).
- I could swim when I was five. (I could swim when I was five).
2. Speech
The modal verb can is used to ask for permission in an informal way.
The modal verb could is used to ask for permission politely or formally.
Examples:
- Can I phone you later? (Can I call you later?)
- Could I phone you later? (Could I call you later?)
Can and Could exercise
This is an exercise to practice the difference between the modal verb can and the modal verb could.
A. Complete the following sentences with the correct option of the modal verbs can or could
- I ___________ go to the party last night because I didn’t feel well.
- My sister ___________ swim last year, but now she ___________.
- ___________ you read when you were three years old?
- Mary ___________ ride a bicycle. She rides to school every day.
- I’m very tired, so I ___________ go out tonight.
- Talking to your boss: _____________ I leave early today, please?
- Talking to your classmate: ______________ I borrow your pen, please?
Answers: 1. couldn’t, 2. couldn’t / can, 3. could, 4. can, 5. can’t, 6. Could, 7. Can
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