Can and-could

Preview:

Citation preview

Uses of Can - Could

2Inglés intermedio Gabriela.reyes@delphinus.com.mxProf. Gabriela Reyes González

Can - Could

Can is used to express present or general ability.

She can knit. I can swim.

To express ability

3Inglés intermedio Gabriela.reyes@delphinus.com.mxProf. Gabriela Reyes González

Can - Could

We can speak English. Can you speak French?

4Inglés intermedio Gabriela.reyes@delphinus.com.mxProf. Gabriela Reyes González

Can - Could

Can is also used to asking and giving permission.

Can I go to the park, mom? Can we keep him? Please!

To ask and give permission

5Inglés intermedio Gabriela.reyes@delphinus.com.mxProf. Gabriela Reyes González

Can & Could

You can go to the party. It’s OK, you can leave now.

6Inglés intermedio Gabriela.reyes@delphinus.com.mxProf. Gabriela Reyes González

Can - Could Indirect speech

Could is the past tense form of can in indirect speech.

He said that I could go to the party.

7Inglés intermedio Gabriela.reyes@delphinus.com.mxProf. Gabriela Reyes González

Can - CouldTalk about past ability

Could is used to talk about ability that existed in the past.

When she was young she could climb mountains.

When she was young Now

* could refers to past time only when the context makes the time clear.

8Inglés intermedio Gabriela.reyes@delphinus.com.mxProf. Gabriela Reyes González

Can - CouldTo talk about possibility or uncertainty

Could is used to talk about possibility or uncertainty. It is also common in conditional sentences.

If I won the lottery, I could buy a Ferrari.

9Inglés intermedio Gabriela.reyes@delphinus.com.mxProf. Gabriela Reyes González

Can - CouldI could have helped her if she had asked me.

I could have approved the exam if I had studied.

10Inglés intermedio Gabriela.reyes@delphinus.com.mxProf. Gabriela Reyes González

Can - CouldPolite requests

Could is often used in questions expressing polite requests.

Could you wait for a minute? Could I have a glass of water, please?

Recommended