15/1/23, 10:38 CyberTeachers® de Berlitz®

Can

Introduction

The verb 'can' describes someones capabilities or the things they are able to do.

Paul can play the piano.

Joan can't come to the meeting. She is busy.
Can I come late to work? I have a doctor's appointment.

Formation

Can

Affirmative Negative Questions

I can I cannot/can't can I...?

you can you cannot/can't can you...?

he/she/it can he/she/it cannot/can't can he/she/it...?

we can we cannot/can't can we...?

you can you cannot/can't can you...?

they can they cannot/can't can they...?

can + base form of the verb

I can speak French.

You can go on vacation in August.

He can ride in the front seat.

We can cook dinner together.

Can you go to the store this afternoon?

They can't find the file.

Could

The past tense form of can is could or could not/couldn't:

When I was young, I could swim very fast.

Las night, I couldn't find my cell phone.

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Use

Ability
Use to explain something that a person or thing is able to do:
I can swim.

She can speak Portuguese.

We can play the guitar.

Can she use a computer?

Can she cook?

Can he play soccer?

I can't fix the computer.

He can't understand you.

They can't ski.

Possibility

Use to explain that something is possible to do:

We can take a vacation in May.

It can be cold in the winter.

Can we take a bus to the station?

Can you open that window?

Permission

Use to ask for permission:

Can we come to your party?

Can I have a slice of cake?

Can I go home?

Use to give permission:

You can leave early.

They can go home.

He can have the day off.

Polite requests

Use could to ask for something politely:

Could you please pass me the salt?

Could I borrow your umbrella?

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Could I speak to Tony, please?

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