 Grammar: Modal Verbs [ 2008-09-26 15:01 ]
Question: It sometimes seems there’s no difference between can and could. Is there?
Grammar: Modal Verbs
In requests, both are correct and have the same meaning. Could is used for more formal or polite situations.
? Could you send me an application form? (formal)
? Can I borrow your pen? (informal)
In talking about abilities and skills, could indicates past tense:
? I can play the piano.
? I could play the piano when I was only three.
When talking about availability in the negative, we can also use could.
? I’m sorry that I couldn’t come to your party last night.
However, in the positive, we use ‘able to’ for this purpose:
? I finished my homework early, so I was able to go to the party.
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