Usage of Can and Could | Difference between Can or Could
Learn the usage of Can and Could with useful examples in English. In this article, you are going to learn about modal auxiliary verbs Can and Could and what is the difference between them.
Use of Can or Could
Can or Could | Ability
CAN is used to talk about the ability to do something at a given time in the present or future
Example:
- He can speak English fluently.
- I can repair this radio.
- He can’t write with his left hand.
COULD is used to talk about past time
Example:
- I could run 10 miles when I was young.
- I could swim for three hours at a stretch.
Can or Could | Request
COULD is used as a polite way of telling or asking someone to do something
Example:
- Could you lock the door when you leave?
- Could you open the window, please?
Can is more informal
Example:
- Can you take me to the Victoria station?
- Can you give me your pen?
- Can you help me to reach there?
Can or Could | Possibility
CAN is used to make general statements about what is possible
Example:
- In Norway, temperatures can be low as -50°C in winter.
COULD is used to show that something is/was possible now or at a specific event in the past
Example:
- The weather station said temperatures could be as low as -10°C tonight.
Can or Could | Asking Permission
CAN is used to ask for permission to do something in an informal way
Example:
- Can I borrow your car tomorrow?
- Can I sit here?
- Can I read this book?
Could is more formal and polite than can
Example:
- Could I choose my own doctor?
- Could I use your bicycle, please?
Can or Could | Talking about Things which Are Allowed
We use can to talk about things which are allowed in the present or future
Example:
- You can take a holiday tomorrow if you want.
We use could to talk about things which are allowed in the past
Example:
- When I first started this job we could take holiday when we wanted.
Difference Between Can or Could | Image
