Can vs Could

Front

What is the primary difference between 'can' and 'could'?

Back

'Can' is used to express ability or permission in the present, while 'could' is used for past ability or polite requests.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1C

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Front

In what context would you use 'can'?

Back

'Can' is used to indicate ability, permission, or possibility in the present.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1C

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Front

In what context would you use 'could'?

Back

'Could' is used to indicate past ability, polite requests, or hypothetical situations.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1C

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Front

How do you form a negative sentence with 'can'?

Back

You add 'not' to 'can' to form 'cannot' or 'can't'.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.1J

CCSS.L.2.1F

CCSS.L.4.1C

Front

How do you form a negative sentence with 'could'?

Back

You add 'not' to 'could' to form 'could not' or 'couldn't'.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1C

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Front

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

Back

I can swim very well.

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

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

Back

Can I borrow your pen?

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

How do 'can' and 'could' relate to making requests?

Back

'Can' is more informal, while 'could' is more polite and formal.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1C

CCSS.L.9-10.1B