Hello PalComTers, have you ever heard “Can and Could” ? “Can and Could” belong to modal auxiliary. The modal verbs can and could represent the ability of a person or thing in doing something. However, there is a difference in their usage, as ‘can‘ is used in present situation, whereas we can use ‘could‘ for talking about a past ability. Both are followed by a base form of the verb. Now, look the detailed explanation as following:
“Can”
We use “can” to:
- talk about possibility and ability
- make requests
- ask for or give permission
Structure of “can”
The basic structure for “can” is:
|
subject |
+ |
auxiliary verb |
+ |
main verb |
Example:
| subject |
auxiliary verb |
main verb |
||
|
+ |
I |
can |
play |
tennis. |
|
– |
He |
cannot |
play |
tennis. |
|
can’t |
||||
|
? |
Can |
you |
play |
tennis? |
“Could”
“Could” is an auxiliary verb, a modal auxiliary verb. We use “could” to:
- talk about past possibility or ability
- make requests
Structure of “could”
|
subject |
+ |
auxiliary verb |
+ |
main verb |
Example:
|
Subject |
auxiliary verb |
main verb |
|
|
+ |
My grandmother |
could |
swim. |
|
– |
She |
could not |
walk. |
|
couldn’t |
|||
|
? |
Could |
your grandmother |
swim? |
Comparison Chart “Can and Could”
|
Basis for Comparison |
Can |
Could |
|
Meaning |
Can means be able to or permitted to do something. |
Could refers to the possibility or the ability to do something. |
|
Pronunciation |
kan, kən |
kəd, kʊd |
|
Ability and Possibility |
Present one |
In the past |
|
Request and Permission |
Informal |
Polite |
|
Examples |
I can’t wait as I am already very late. |
Ana could have taken taxi to reach the station. |
|
Can you pass me the bottle? |
Could you give me your pen? |
|
|
She cannot come to the party, as she is in Jaipur. |
I wish I could travel the world. |
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