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Understanding "Can" and "Could" Usage

The document explains the usage of 'can', 'could', and 'be able to' in English. 'Can' is used for present abilities and possibilities, 'could' refers to past abilities, while 'be able to' can refer to abilities in the past, present, or future. Additionally, the document discusses their use in making offers and requests.

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Liana Kurnosova
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5 views1 page

Understanding "Can" and "Could" Usage

The document explains the usage of 'can', 'could', and 'be able to' in English. 'Can' is used for present abilities and possibilities, 'could' refers to past abilities, while 'be able to' can refer to abilities in the past, present, or future. Additionally, the document discusses their use in making offers and requests.

Uploaded by

Liana Kurnosova
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

can could be able to

is used to talk about present--or general-- is used to talk about past abilities and is used to talk about ability and
abilities and possibilities. possibilities. possibility, but it can be used to refer to
You can use it to talk about abilities, skills, You use it to talk about what abilities, skills, the past, present, or future. It is also used
or talents, and you can use it to talk about or talents you had or developed in the past, to talk about succeeding in or failing to
what is possible to do. and what was possible for you to do in the do something.
past.
Sandra can play the piano. We weren't able to find the book you
She could read when she was three years wanted.
old.

to make offers and requests (informal) to make offers and requests.


Could is a more neutral word in these cases.
Can I help you with something?
Could you open the door for me, please?

can’t / cannot couldn’t be not able to (for present and past tenses)
or not be able to (for future tenses)

I couldn’t swim when I was very young. I won’t be able to go cycling because I’ve
lost my bike.

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