Can and Could, Usage with visual and context

1. With Muhammad Yusuf

2. Can/Could Ability “Can” is used to say what someone is able to do. It is used in different forms to describe past (could) and present (can) abilities. “Can” used between the subject and the main verb. The base form of the verb is used after “can”. He can play the piano. I can drive a car. “Can” is always the same. It doesn’t change with the subject. Base form of verb. Ability: I can do something = I know how to do it or it is possible for me to do it.

3. Can/Could

4. Can/Could Ability More example Saba can play cricket. Sami can swim well. They can’t do the math. He can not climb the tree. She can speak four languages. He can sing jazz songs.

5. Can/Could “Could” for past abilities “Could” is the past form of “can”. We use “could” to talk about an ability in the past. The time frame can be set with a phrase about an age day, or year. I can’tclimb mountains now, but I could when I was 25 years old. Describes a past ability. Describes a present ability. When Maria was 10, she could play the piano. I couldn’t go to Dubai last year because it was too expensive. When I was a student, I could study all night before an exam. I could run very fast when I was young.

6. Can/Could For the past (yesterday / last month etc.), we use could/couldn’t: I couldn’t go to Europe last year because it was too expensive. Before Aamer toured to England, he couldn’t understand much English. I had a party last week but my brothers couldn’t come. Present Past I was afraid of the water because I couldn’t swim. I’m afraid of the water because I can’t swim. He could play a musical instrument when he was a child. He can play a musical instrument.

7. Can/Could Permission/request. When we ask people to do things: Can you open the door, please? Can you wait a moment, please? We use could to sound more polite. Could I close the window, please? Could we leave early today, sir? We use can I have…? Or Could I have…? To ask for something: (in a shop) Can I have these headphones, please? Could we borrow your pen?

8. Can Making offers We use “can” and “may” to offer to do something for someone Good evening. May I take your order? Can I get you a drink? That would be lovely. My computer’s broken again! Yes, please. Can I help you carry those? May I take your coat? Yes, please. Can I help at all? Yes, thank you. “May” is only used for formal situations.

9. Can/Could In Context Could you help me with this exercise? Could you lend me some money? No, I couldn’t. We didn’t study it at school. Could you please pass the salt, please? Wait a minute, please. Could you speak English when you were young? I’m sorry but I can’t. I’m too busy. No, I can’t. I haven’t got a watch. Can you play the piano? Alright. How much do you need? Can you tell me the time? Hello, can I speak to Zohra, Please? Here you are. Yes, I can.

10. Please comments, Thank you.