Modal verbs are a part of the larger category called auxiliary verbs which are verbs that cannot be used on their own. They need to be accompanied by a base verb. Can and could are modal verbs.
2.- Grammar: Modal verbs: Can and Could.
- Can - Could:
- Can means to be (physically) able to do something or to know how to do something.
- Could is similar to Can in the past tense (though not always).
| WE USE CAN OR COULD TO |
EXAMPLES |
|---|---|
|
Can I make a phone call? Could you tell me the time, please? (more formal) |
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You can use my mobile phone. You can´t go in there. It´s private. |
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Can I help you? I can take you to the station if you like. |
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Ketty can speak Spanish. When she was younger, he could (=was able to) run a marathon in under three hours. |
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You can make a lot of money if you work hard. I can´t get through to them. Their phone´s always engaged. |
| WE USE COULD TO |
EXAMPLES |
|---|---|
|
I think we could increase our market share in the long term. |