Can and Could

Modals: They are verbs which are used before the main verb to express ability, possibility, obligation, permission, suggestion, request, certainity or necessity. They indicate the attitude, intension and the mood of the speaker.

They cannot be used alone in a sentence.

In case of Questions they are used alone.

They are not affected by the change in person i.e. first, second or third form.

Present Participle or Past Participle form of a verb is never used with a modal.

CAN AND COULD:

Use of can:

Can is used to express physical or mental ability, capacity, capability. e.g.

(a) I can solve this puzzle.

(b) Can you lift this suitcase?

2. Can is also used to denote ability arising out of the circumstances. It is usually meant to express are you in a position to do so. e.g.

Can you lend me ten lacs rupees? (Are you in a position to do so? Are you having this much amount surplus? )

3. In questions with Wh- words can denote puzzleness impatience anger of the speaker. e.g.

(a) What can he do?

(b) What can she say, I wonder?

4. Can also shows the circumstantial possibility. e.g.

(a) You can ski on the hills now-a-days. (As there is enough snow)

(b) You can go there by road now. (As the road is repaired now)

Use of could:

1. Could you? is a very good way of making a request. It denotes more politeness and courteousness.

2. The use of could refers past ability. It means that I was able to do so in the past. e.g.

When I was young, I could climb any tree.

3. Could is used in present context also, but with condition. e.g.

(a) Could you operate the machine by yourself? (if it becomes necessary)

(b) Could you get another job? ( if you lose this )

4. The use of could in perfect tense shows such a past possibility that didn't take place or the action was actually not performed. e.g.

(a) He could have caught the train, if he had hurried. (But he didn't catch the train)

(b) He could have sent a message ( but he didn't send).

The use of could in above constructions can also express irritation at or reproach for the non- performance of an action.

Sample Questions

(More Questions for each concept available in Login)

Question : 1

Polar bears _________ be starving, as there is a lot of fish available for them.
A. Might	B. Could	C. Can't	D. Must
Right Option : C
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Question : 2

Identify the correct modal in the following sentences . 1. You can go there by road now. 2. Could you operate the machine by yourself ?
A. 1. You 2. Could	B. 1. Can 2. Could	C. 1. Now 2. Machine	D. 1. Road 2. Operate
Right Option : B
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Question : 3

Fill the blank part with the correct modal . 1. ______ you lift this suitcase ? 2. ______ you operate the machine by yourself ?
A. 1. Can 2. May	B. 1. Shall 2. Ought to	C. 1. Could 2. Could	D. 1. Should 2. Shall
Right Option : C
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