Modal Verb Can and Could

What is the difference between 'can' and 'could' when used to express ability?

• The difference is that 'can' is used for future ability, while 'could' is used for present ability.

• The difference is that 'can' is used for expressing uncertainty, while 'could' is used for expressing certainty.

• The difference is that 'can' is used for asking permission, while 'could' is used for giving permission.

• The difference is that 'can' is used for present ability, while 'could' is used for past ability or a more polite form of present ability.

When do we use 'can' to talk about permission?

• We use 'can' to talk about permission when giving or asking for permission in a polite way.

• We use 'can' to talk about permission when expressing ability

• We use 'can' to talk about permission when expressing certainty

• We use 'can' to talk about permission when expressing obligation

Provide an example of using 'could' to talk about past ability.

• When I was younger, I could run very fast.

• When I was younger, I could lift a car

• When I was younger, I could speak 10 languages

• When I was younger, I could fly

Explain the difference between 'can' and 'could' when used to ask for permission.

• Both 'can' and 'could' are used to express ability, not to ask for permission

• 'Could' is considered less polite and formal than 'can'

• Both 'can' and 'could' are used to ask for permission, but 'could' is considered more polite and formal than 'can'.

• There is no difference between 'can' and 'could' when used to ask for permission

In what situations do we use 'could' to talk about permission in the past?

• When we were children, we could drive a car.

• When we were children, we could fly to the moon.

• When we were children, we could stay up late on weekends.

• When we were children, we could eat ice cream for dinner.

When do we use 'can' to talk about ability in the present?

• When referring to specific individuals' abilities

• When talking about past abilities

• When discussing future abilities

• When referring to general abilities or skills.

Give an example of using 'could' to ask for permission in the past.

• Could I go to the party last night?

• Could I go to the party tomorrow?

• Could I go to the party yesterday?

• Could I go to the party next week?

Explain the difference between 'can' and 'could' when used to express past ability.

• The main difference between 'can' and 'could' is that 'could' is used for present ability while 'can' is used for past ability.

• The main difference between 'can' and 'could' when used to express past ability is that 'could' is considered more polite and formal, and it can also indicate a past ability that is no longer present.

• When used to express past ability, 'can' and 'could' are interchangeable and have no difference.

• The difference between 'can' and 'could' is that 'can' is more formal and polite than 'could'.

Provide an example of using 'can' to talk about ability in the future.

• I can run a marathon in under 3 hours next month.

• I can speak French fluently by the end of next year.

• I can solve a Rubik's cube in 10 seconds by next week.

• I can speak Spanish fluently by the end of next year.

When do we use 'could' to talk about ability in the past?

• When discussing abilities in a hypothetical scenario

• When talking about abilities in the present

• When referring to general or specific abilities that someone had in the past.

• When referring to future abilities