Can vs. Could in English Grammar PDF
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This document explains the differences between the English verbs "can" and "could" in various contexts. It covers uses for expressing ability, permission, possibility, and politeness. The guide provides examples for each usage.
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Differentiating between \"can\" and \"could\" is essential for proper usage in English. Here are the key distinctions: \#\#\# 1. \*\*Ability\*\* \- \*\*Can\*\*: Refers to present ability or capability. \- \*Example\*: \"I can swim.\" \- \*\*Could\*\*: Refers to past ability or a general ability...
Differentiating between \"can\" and \"could\" is essential for proper usage in English. Here are the key distinctions: \#\#\# 1. \*\*Ability\*\* \- \*\*Can\*\*: Refers to present ability or capability. \- \*Example\*: \"I can swim.\" \- \*\*Could\*\*: Refers to past ability or a general ability in the past. \- \*Example\*: \"When I was a child, I could swim well.\" \#\#\# 2. \*\*Permission\*\* \- \*\*Can\*\*: Used to ask for or give permission in informal contexts. \- \*Example\*: \"Can I borrow your book?\" \- \*\*Could\*\*: More polite or formal way to ask for permission. \- \*Example\*: \"Could I borrow your book, please?\" \#\#\# 3. \*\*Possibility\*\* \- \*\*Can\*\*: Indicates something that is possible or likely in the present. \- \*Example\*: \"It can get very hot in summer.\" \- \*\*Could\*\*: Suggests a possibility that is more hypothetical or uncertain. \- \*Example\*: \"It could rain tomorrow.\" \#\#\# 4. \*\*Politeness and Suggestions\*\* \- \*\*Can\*\*: Used for direct requests or offers. \- \*Example\*: \"Can you help me with this?\" \- \*\*Could\*\*: Used to make polite requests or suggestions, often implying a softer tone. \- \*Example\*: \"Could you help me with this, if you have time?\" \#\#\# Summary Table \| Usage \| Can \| Could \| \|\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\--\|\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\--\|\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\--\| \| Ability \| Present ability \| Past ability \| \| Permission \| Informal permission \| Polite/formal permission \| \| Possibility \| Present possibility \| Hypothetical/less certain \| \| Politeness \| Direct requests \| Polite requests/suggestions \| By understanding these distinctions, you can use \"can\" and \"could\" appropriately in various contexts.
