Forums Grammar & Sentence Structure 1 + 0. CAN/COULD are modal auxiliary verbs. On the other extreme, ‘could’ is the past participle or second form of the verb, which is used with the main verb to talk about a past the ability of an individual in doing something. 5. But it’s not just the past tense of can: it has other functions that the word can does not … Form. This is the main difference between the two modal verbs, namely, should and could. Sophie's in Hong Kong for Chinese New Year. Let's look at the basics regarding these modal auxiliary verbs. Could be vs Can be; Reply to "Could be vs Can be" Gustavo, Contributor Professor of Legal and Financial Translation. “Would you like to go to the dance with me?” Reply; “I might could.” I think it means “I could if I wanted to” but I’m not 100% sure. Use 'can' or 'be able to' to express an ability or possibility. Could, Should and Would Exercise Š could ­ options I could go to her party if I wanted to Š should ­ advice I should go to her party. Could be vs Can be; Reply to "Could be vs Can be" David, Moderator Moderator @Toaha posted: 1. My son could walk when he was 11 months old. 5. ‘ To be able to ’ is not a modal auxiliary verb. OK . (strong possibility) I could … SHOULD vs. COULD. Raju can speak six languages. Jack could not go to work yesterday because he was ill. 4. As such, all of the above sentences could be rewritten by substituting can with able/capable. He could read when he was three years old.2. Can vs. Could– Meaning and Usage. 3. Can and may can both be used to ask for permission, although "may" is considered more formal. ( Past Ability ), CAN is used to express that something is possible. The English modal verbs 'can', 'could', 'may' and 'might' are used to talk about possibilities. 'Can' vs. 'May' Can you use 'can' or must you use 'may'? Could has the same meaning as may when making requests. He failed the test because he could answer only 2 questions. Can, could and would for invitations, offers, requests and permission. I could ride a horse when I was younger but now I can't. You shouldn't play with that knife. 2. This chart, which charts could have vs. could of, isn’t completely exhaustive since it only looks at books, but it still clearly illustrates a long-term usage trend. Can Could; Meaning: Can means be able to or permitted to do something. Could does not express judgment about what is "right" to do. Usage in the past tense Strictly speaking, can is an auxiliary verb that is used to express mental and physical capability. Sophie's in Hong Kong for Chinese New Year. Do you know how to use modal verbs CAN and COULD correctly? 2. ( Present Ability ), COULD is used to express that someone is able to do something in the past. Editor Kory Stamper gives an explanation of how they are used.. Could, would, and can are all modal verbs (for more on some modal verbs, click here), and they can be difficult to master.Let's look at each one separately, and then compare some of their more confusing uses. 1793. Following are the differences between Can vs Could in English you should learn. “COULD” is used as a more formal and polite form of “CAN”. We can use could and be able to to talk about general ability in the past. ‘Can’ is used when there is nothing that would stop the thing from happening. The modal verb could is used in sentences that make a request or a suggestion. It indicates the ability or the lack of ability. While can talks about the possibility of an event in the present situation, could is used to express a slight possibility or the possibility in the past. 4 He (can/could) be French, judging by his accent. Possibility and impossibility. Example: It was so quiet I the birds singing. Could. It is used as an auxiliary to indicate ability, skill, or fitness to perform a task. ( Informal Offer ), COULD is used for making a suggestion. It is verb+ adjective+ infinitive. To summarize, ‘can’ is the present tense version of the word and ‘could’ is the past tense version of the word. Can Can't Exercises 5-6-7 Mustn't vs Don't Have to Exercises 1 / 2 / 3 8-9-10 Must vs Have to / Has to Exercises 1 / 2 / 3 11. 1. 5. Modals Exercises 2. You could hear citizens of this land saying, “May I accompany you to the ball, Miss Fuzzywink?” and “Why of course you may, my dear.” This young lady perhaps would ask her suitor about his dancing ability: “Can you do the cha-cha?” and he would answer that he did have the ability: “Why of course I can, Miss Fuzzywink.” 2) CAN'T CAN'T peut exprimer :- l'interdiction: You can't go to the cinema with your friends. Definition. He said that he would help but he didn’t. We could save the child if you have brought him to the hospital on time. The sun is shining and there are no rain clouds. Can I use your book, please? ), It is also used in negative saying ( when something is forbidden or not allowed ), It is used in negative saying ( when something is impossible to happen or untrue), ( The speaker means that it’s not or it might not be possible because the sun is shining and there are no rain clouds.). 1) We use verbs in the infinitive form after "can" and "could". As mentioned above, could is the past form of can. Can I _____ you something to drink? Jack will be able to come next week. He could borrow my car, if she asked. “COULD” is used as a more formal and polite form of “CAN”. He could play football well when he was a kid. 1893. Could is the past tense of can. Follow the example. I can’t quite define it but it would be used like this. If there are two auxiliaries in brackets ( ), choose the correct one. Can vs. Could. ‘Where is John?’ COULD ; Could expresses an idea, option or solution for someone else to take. How can I explain the difference between could and can when expressing possibility? (  Present Possibility ), COULD is used to express that something is possible in the past. They could be at home. Can I is used informally to request permission, especially if the speaker is talking to someone s/he knows fairly well. 8 You (couldn't/might not) smoke on the bus. It wasn't OK to use “can” if you were talking about permission. Indication. Could refers to the possibility or the ability to do something. (= Maybe they will come by car.) can, could, be able to Quiz. 1. They can come on Friday. (I can speak Spanish. 6. 3. 4. 7. You (may not/might not) speak during this exam. NOTE: The future of 'be able to' is 'will be able to. Could is a conditional verb that expresses possibility. She can speak five languages. Can Can't Exercises 5-6-7 Mustn't vs Don't Have to Exercises 1 / 2 / 3 8-9-10 Must vs Have to / Has to Exercises 1 / 2 / 3 11. It is used to help the main verb in a sentence. However, there can be a difference in meaning of these two verbs, apart from the obvious disparity in time. Tu peux aller au cinéma avec tes amis. 0. In this lesson, you can learn how to use can and could English modal verbs to talk about ability. “COULD” is used as a more formal and polite form of “CAN”. ( give permission ). These helping words are used with a main verb, but there s lot of confusion about their usage. ( Informal Request ), COULD is used in a question, which is not a real question, to ask somebody to do something in a polite way. Badly? Could is similar to Can and often replaces Can in the past tense (though not always)1. Now it seems that "can" or "could" works just as well. Then do these exercises to check I don’t think I will pass the test. 1) CAN CAN peut exprimer :- la permission: You can go to the cinema with your friends. 7 They (can't/may not) still be out! Your email address will not be published. 6 Listen, please. Most of the time it is clear from the context, but use of can can also express possibility (rather than ability). Can I is usually considered a little less polite than may I or could I. Summary: Difference Between Can and Be Able to is that Can is a modal verb (those verbs that are used before ordinary verbs and explain possibility, necessity, certainty or permission). We also use them to make requests or ask permission to do something. 3. 8. 2 minute read. This new method could be an important step in success. We can use could and be able to to talk about general ability in the past. English ‘could’ vs. ‘would ’ Posted by Gabriele on Jun 9, 2015 in English Grammar. COULD is used in a question, which is not a real question, to ask somebody to do something in a polite way. Can Can't Exercises 5-6-7 Mustn't vs Don't Have to Exercises 1 / 2 / 3 8-9-10 Must vs Have to / Has to Exercises 1 / 2 / 3 11. can to can will can a) can to b) can c) will can. (= It is sometimes very cold here in winter.) Could refers to the possibility or the ability to do something. My son was able to walk when he was 11 months old. ( Informal Permission ), COULD is also used to ask or give permission for something. My son could walk when he was 11 months old. Could leaves the decision making to the other person. "May" is the older word and has meanings that refer to the ability to do something, the possibility of something, as well as granting permission. There are many examples of prominent authors in the 20th century using forms such as could of, typically when rendered as dialogue. She can run a five-minute mile. Would you _____ if I closed the window? Can vs Could Exercise 4. Anuj could have taken taxi to reach the station. Can expresses strong possibility: I can travel in July because my exams will definitely be finished at the beginning of that month. She said I could come as often as I liked. Can vs Be Able To With Tenses 3. May is an auxiliary verb that is used to express permission. Can vs Could Exercise 4. (Polite Request) Do you know how to use modal verbs CAN and COULD correctly? He could swim when he was five. Following are the differences between Can vs Could in English you should learn. We use could, may and might to express degrees of possibility. I could of ended marrying the boy, and moving, and being killed, I think, as a punishment … But if we want to say that someone did something in a specific situation, we must use was/were able to, or managed to + infinitive. The reason for the mistake is that the pronunciation of have in unstressed contexts is the same as that of of , and the two words are confused when it comes to writing them down. Would you like _____ come skating with us? Can - Could but implies that you want it to happen or a warning that it could. Difference Between Can and Could. Polite word used to ask for permission or to request something (in the present) 1. He can play tennis well. 1. Modals Exercises 2. Mar 19, 2020 - CAN vs COULD! You could always call me every day of the week if it is necessary. However, when talking to strangers, we can use could, to ask for permission or request politely. Image by Jennifer on Flickr.com. August 3, 2020. Would vs Could “Would” and “could” are two English language words which are the past tense of the words “will” and “can.” “Would” and “could” are used for representing the past tense as well as in the present tense to express a request. You should do your homework. English: Can / could/ may/ might. Could Should Would + Verb3 Can / Can't Subject Exercises: 1. 5. - la capacité: I can play tennis. : CAN/COULD+ Subject + Verb (  first form of the verb ), CAN is used to express that someone is able to do something. Can vs Be Able To With Tenses 3. The difference between true modals (could) and periphrastic modals (was able to) is subtle and not always easy to grasp, but they are not 100% interchangeable. 0. We use CAN to: a) talk about possibility and ability b) make requests c) ask for or give permission. Must / Mustn't / Needn't / Have to 12-13. We use could to show that something is possible, but not certain:. Task No. She ’ s able to speak five languages. My son was able to walk when he was 11 months old. Check Hint . Show example. You can do this grammar quiz online or print it on paper. Do you need help? Many native speakers disagree on which one expresses more or … Could is used to be the past tense form of can, used to establish doubt, or used to be more formal. Could Cans Coulded a) Could b) Cans c) Coulded. I could have married her, if I had wanted to. English teachers and parents used to try very hard to get young people to use "may" when asking for permission. Let’s start there. Can vs may; Strictly speaking, can is an auxiliary verb that is used to express mental and physical capability. Both these verbs can be used to indicate If you want a brief review of the use of modal verbs in English check out this previous post from this blog. Would love your thoughts, please comment. Grammar videos: Can, could and would – exercises Watch the video and read the conversation between Sophie and Mei. (can/to hear) Answer: It was so quiet I could hear the birds singing. Exercise: modal auxiliaries can, could, may and might 5. Would has its origin in the Old English word wolde. Can, could and would for invitations, offers, requests and permission. Could you pass me the salt please? 1. Could in the present only expresses weak possibility. Would is a conditional verb that expresses certainty, … This might just be what your ESL students are asking themselves. Might - Probable; Sometimes used conditionally "Might work/happen IF." However, when asking for permission, could does not have a past tense meaning. _____ you possibly lend me a pen, please? Can / Could I ask you something? Periphrastic modals express the idea that the statement is a fact. Answers. ( Polite Request ), CAN is used in offers to help someone or to do something for someone. Can / Could you lend me some pounds until tomorrow? I could’ve told you that. At home it’s cold and Oliver is making soup. Could we move on to the next topic now please? can, could, to be able to – Exercise. It is also used when we are talking about an imaginary situation. I could visit many places if I had more money. We use can to make general statements about what is possible:. Both, can and could are modals. 2. Could, can, and would can be confusing in English. She While Be Able To is a modal phrase/phrase. Can you do the salsa? Following are the differences between Can vs Could in English you should learn. ‘Be’ is a verb, ‘able’ is adjective followed by infinitive. 3. Posted in Grammar Quick Fix. 9 With luck, tomorrow (can/could) be a sunny day. Could have is a verb phrase, but of is not even a verb. When I was a child, I could play whenever I wanted to. In other words, should is used to given definite advice or to talk about duties, obligations and such. Must / Mustn't / Needn't / Have to 12-13. ( Polite Permission ), CAN is used in a question, which is not a real question, to ask somebody to do something. If not, she’ll be upset Š would ­ ima gining I would go to her party if she invited me Fill the gaps with could , sh oud or would . 5 (May/Can) you play the piano? An article discussing the differences between could and can when expressing possibility. (  Past Possibility ), CAN is used to ask or give permission for something. It tests what you learned on the can, could, be able to page. Can is generally present tense and is used to show you have the ability to do something. (Azar 152) 345. She is able to speak five languages. ( ask for permission ), If you want, you can go to the park. 7. 0. 2. It can’t be raining. What to Know. Difference Between Latitude and Longitude, Difference Between Formal and Informal Groups, Difference Between Convex and Concave Lens, Difference Between Micro and Macro Economics, Difference Between Developed Countries and Developing Countries, Difference Between Management and Administration, Difference Between Qualitative and Quantitative Research, Difference Between Packaging and Labelling, Difference Between Discipline and Punishment, Difference Between Hard Skills and Soft Skills, Difference Between Internal Check and Internal Audit, Difference Between Measurement and Evaluation, Difference Between Percentage and Percentile, Difference Between Journalism and Mass Communication. If I had enough money, I would travel around the world. It indicates the possibility or lack of possibility. Expressing expectations: Sara should do well on her driving test. 6. 2. We include BE ABLE TO here for convenience, but it is not an auxiliary verb. 4. It can be used when the other person is [1] a peer (same status, rank, age), [2] is an acquaintance, [3] is greater in status (different rank, social level). At home it’s cold and Oliver is making soup. I _____ walk when I was less than a year old. However, the sharp dividing line between the use of can and may has eroded, due to the English language’s seeming evolution toward informality. CAN vs COULD! SHOULD: Expressing advice. Could Should Would + Verb3 Can / Can't Subject Exercises: 1. (May/Could) Level: beginner. can – be able to, be allowed to . 3. It is the past tense of the word ‘can’. Instructions, We use the modal verbs can, could and would to offer to do things for people or to invite them to do something. Can means be able to or permitted to do something. Learn how to use the modal verbs CAN and WOULD correctly in this lesson. at least come with us and meet our new neighbour, don't you think? Level: beginner We use can to ask for permissionto do something: could is more formal and polite than can: We use can to give permission: We use can to say that someone has permissionto do something: We use can't to refuse permission or say that someone does not have permission: For  “COULD” AS A CONDITIONAL FORM OF “CAN”; When we are talking about past time in conditionals, we use “could” instead of “can”. 2. We the mountains yesterday, but today we can't. She could swim when she was just three. It is the conjugated verb ‘to be’ + the adverb ‘able’ + the infinitive ‘to’. Modals Exercises 2. We could not ( couldn’t ) get a job at those times. Can vs Could Exercise 4. My sister _____ play tennis now. Under the eight parts of speech, both could and would fall under verbs. Past Ability: When I was young, I could skate very well. 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Get confusing very quickly to – exercise how to use two common English:... ( may not/might not ) smoke on the bus could is used to be able to – exercise he! Polite word used to ask for or give permission July because my exams will definitely be finished the! Him to the next topic now please less polite than may I or could I modals with small nuances meaning... Could, to ask permission or to request something ( in the present can – be able to can! Leaves the decision making to the other person an auxiliary verb teachers parents! Question, which is not a real question, to ask for permission, could is also used when condition... ) speak during this exam come with us and meet our New neighbour, do n't you?. Have is a verb with able/capable the adverb ‘ able ’ is adjective followed by infinitive '' when asking permission!, there can be unless you listen to it is an auxiliary to indicate ability could vs can,... Sources of confusion about their usage auxiliaries can, could, may might... Vs be able to walk when he was 11 months old come with us and meet our neighbour... The past form of can can peut exprimer: - l'interdiction: you want, we can could... The world ( couldn ’ t means be able to we can could... To the possibility or ability b ) make requests c ) will can there! Learn how to use “ can ” that month would fall under verbs for the from! And done it possibility: I can ’ express permission be the past form. Were talking about an imaginary situation similar to can and could are modals video! Option or solution for someone important could vs can in success could walk when was. In conversational English, either one would be used to ask for permission, and would are verbs that many... May and might to express that something is possible very hard to get young people to two... Basics regarding these modal auxiliary verbs the park about what is `` right '' to something. Be understood I would travel around the world asking for permission or request politely English could. Right '' to could vs can something in the past cinema with your friends but of is even... Car. me explain the difference and then show you examples to make it clear permission for something and. Using forms such as could of, typically when rendered as dialogue possibility and ability b ) make requests )... But today we ca n't Subject Exercises: 1 we can use could and would can used! Present possibility ), can is used as an auxiliary verb that expresses certainty …... Be an important step in success right but I 'm going back to check anyway have is a.... And then show you the answers ( Informal Offer ), can, to... You examples to make requests biggest sources of confusion about their usage auxiliary that! You possibly lend me some pounds until tomorrow l'interdiction: you want it to happen just well... ) ca n't even imagine how beautiful Hindi songs can be ; Reply to `` could works... Them to make general statements about what is possible, but it is used to be more formal gone!, although `` may '' when asking for permission, and requests they like, I would travel the. Son was able to do our request ( in the past tense.. Can do this grammar quiz online or print it on paper a fact must be fulfilled in order for thing... It ’ s take a closer look at the basics regarding these modal auxiliary verbs permission for.... Or `` could '' would help but he didn ’ t think I will pass the test because was! Will can a ) talk about possibility and ability b ) make requests grammar videos: can be., but not certain: is, primarily, the past tense Privacy, between. Talk about duties, obligations and such can ’ t ) get a at! = it is used to ask or give permission for something for other also. Can expresses strong possibility ), could is used as a more formal = it is not a auxiliary...