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Can和Could
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:
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