USAGE OF CAN / COULD :) ********************************** CAN ***** Used to express ability (to be able to do something): Examples: - I can make jewelry. - He can’t speak French. - Can you open this jar? Used to ask for permission: Examples: - Can I use your bathroom? - Can I leave now? - Can I raise the volume? Used to make requests or suggestions: Examples: - Can I have more napkins? - Can I have the bill? - You can take this spot if you like. - You can do whatever you want. ------------------------------------------------------------ COULD (past form of can) ********** Describes an ability that someone had in the past: Examples: - I could swim when I was young. - You could see the boat sinking. - They could tell he was nervous. Often used in auxiliary functions to express permission politely: Examples: - Could I take this jacket with me? - You could borrow my umbrella. - Could you please let me pass you? - Could I get you more water? Used to express possibility: Examples: - All of them could ride in the van. - You could always stay at our house. - Could it be true? - This plan could really work out. ------------------------------------------------------------- CANT / COULDNt ************************ We use the negative form to show that something is impossible: Examples: - That can’t be true. - You cannot be serious. Couldnt:- to talk about the past: Examples: - We knew it could not be true. - He was obviously joking. He could not be serious. -------------------------------------------------------------- ** NOTES ** Could is the past tense form of can in indirect speech. Examples: Direct speech: She said, “I can’t climb up the hill.” Indirect speech: She said that she couldn’t climb up the hill. He said, “I can solve the problem.” He said that he could solve the problem.
Posted on: Mon, 15 Dec 2014 19:13:43 +0000
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