Can, could and be able to

Front

What is the primary use of 'can' in English?

Back

'Can' is used to express ability or possibility in the present.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1C

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Front

How is 'could' different from 'can'?

Back

'Could' is the past tense of 'can' and is used to express ability in the past or to make polite requests.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1C

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Front

What does 'be able to' indicate in terms of ability?

Back

'Be able to' is used to express ability in a more formal context and can be used in various tenses.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1C

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Front

Provide an example of 'can' used in a sentence.

Back

I can play the guitar.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1C

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Front

Provide an example of 'could' used in a sentence.

Back

When I was younger, I could run fast.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1C

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Front

Provide an example of 'be able to' used in a sentence.

Back

She was able to finish the project on time.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1C

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Front

What is a polite way to ask for permission using 'could'?

Back

Could I borrow your pen, please?

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1C

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Front

In what context would you use 'can' instead of 'could'?

Back

'Can' is used for informal requests or when speaking about present abilities.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1C

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Front

What is the structure of a question using 'can'?

Back

The structure is: Can + subject + base form of the verb?

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1C

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Front

What is the structure of a question using 'could'?

Back

The structure is: Could + subject + base form of the verb?

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1C

CCSS.L.9-10.1B