Intermediate · Polite and useful grammar · topic 25 of 59 · 14 min
Can and could: ability, permission and possibility
Explanation
Can and could are modal verbs (सहायक क्रिया): helper verbs that add a meaning like ability, permission or possibility. They never change: "he can", not "he cans". The next verb is always in the base form: "can go", not "can goes" or "can to go".
| Meaning | can | could |
|---|---|---|
| Ability | I can speak Tamil. | I could read at age four. (past) |
| Permission | Can I use your phone? | Could I use your phone? (more polite) |
| Request | Can you open the door? | Could you open the door? (more polite) |
| Possibility | It can get very hot in May. | It could rain later. (maybe) |
I can type fast, but I can't use Excel well.
Say it: ai kan TYP FAAST, but ai KAANT yooz EK-sel WEL
मैं तेज़ टाइप कर सकता हूँ, पर एक्सेल ठीक से नहीं चला सकता।
"Can't" in Indian/British English sounds "kaant"; in American English "kant". Stress it, so people hear the negative.
Can I sit here?
Say it: kan ai SIT heer?
क्या मैं यहाँ बैठ सकता हूँ?
Could you speak a little slowly, please?
Say it: kud yoo SPEEK a LIT-ul SLOH-lee, pleez?
क्या आप थोड़ा धीरे बोल सकते हैं?
A lifesaver phrase for every learner.
When I was young, I could run very fast.
Say it: wen ai woz YUNG, ai kud RUN VE-ree FAAST
जब मैं जवान था, मैं बहुत तेज़ दौड़ सकता था।
The train could be late because of the fog.
Say it: the TRAYN kud bee LAYT bi-KOZ ov the FOG
कोहरे की वजह से ट्रेन लेट हो सकती है।
Sorry, I couldn't come yesterday.
Say it: SOR-ee, ai KUD-unt KUM YES-ter-day
माफ़ कीजिए, मैं कल नहीं आ सका।
Be able to
Can has no future or perfect form. Use "be able to" there: "I will be able to join next week." "I haven't been able to call him."
I'll be able to send the file tomorrow.
Say it: ail bee AY-bul to SEND the FYL to-MOR-oh
मैं कल फ़ाइल भेज पाऊँगा।
Watch the lesson
Can and could: ability, permission and possibility · 1/7
Hello! Today we learn can and could, two of the most useful words in English.
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In real life: At a computer training centre
Counsellor: Can you use a computer? Rajesh: Yes, I can type and send emails, but I can't make spreadsheets. Counsellor: Our Excel course can help you. Could you come on weekdays? Rajesh: I can't come in the morning because of work. Could I join the evening batch? Counsellor: Yes, you can. You'll be able to make simple sheets in two weeks. Rajesh: Great. Could you send me the fee details on WhatsApp?
Practice (0/4 done)
Say this polite request.
Could you speak a little slowly, please? I am still learning English.
क्या आप थोड़ा धीरे बोल सकते हैं? मैं अभी अंग्रेज़ी सीख रहा हूँ।
Listen and type the sentence.
Write five sentences about your skills for a job form: three things you can do, one thing you could do as a child, and one thing you will be able to do soon.
Which is correct?
Quick quiz
Pass the quiz (60% or more) or mark this topic as done when you are ready.
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