Avoid an embarrassing grammar mistake by learning when to use can vs. could in different situations. While both can and could are forms of the same verb, they actually mean different things depending on the context. Keep these guidelines and examples in mind. When to Use CanCan is an auxiliary verb, which means it helps clarify the meaning of a second verb. Also called a helping verb, can often indicates that the other verb is possible. Can for Ability or PossibilityCan usually shows something may happen or is able to happen, as you can see by these examples:
Can for RequestsYou can also use can to make a request, as these examples show:
Colloquial Use of Can for PermissionYou can also use can colloquially for permission, even though it’s correct to use the verb may. Can sounds less formal, particularly in speech. In writing or in more formal speaking situations, it’s better to use may.
When to Use CouldOnce you understand the basic can grammar rules, you’re part way there. The confusion comes in when you think about when to use could. Could for Past Ability or PossibilityIn many situations, could is the past tense of can. It indicates something that was possible in the past.
Could for RequestsLike can, could also works for requests. Here’s how to use it:
Informal Use of Could for PermissionLike can,you can also use could to indicate permission. While may or might would be technically correct, could can be a slightly more formal version of can. It can also indicate the past tense of can in this situation.
Could for Conditional Future ScenariosA less common way to use could involves future scenarios that might happen. This is called a conditional sentence, and you use the past tense when you write it. These usually start with if, but sometimes, they also involve “I wish.” Here are some examples with could used in this way:
How Likely Is It to Happen?When you’re talking about the future, use of can and could tells the reader or listener how likely something is to happen. In many cases, can expresses that something is certain, while could indicates it may or may not happen. For instance, imagine you are saving money to buy a new car. When you talk about your plans, can sounds much more certain than could.
Easy to Use CorrectlyAlthough they may seem complicated at first, can and could are easy to use correctly once you know the rules. Understanding this type of basic English grammar helps improve your writing, and it gives you the confidence to express yourself. Understanding the Difference Between “Could” and “Can”powered by LanguageToolThere’s a time and place for “could” and “can.” This blog post will teach you more about the meanings and uses of these modal verbs.
What Is the Difference Between “Can” and “Could”?Can and could are both modal verbs. Modal verbs are the type of auxiliary verb that indicate suggestion, obligation, possibility, or ability. In addition to can and could, modal verbs also include:
There are a few others such as must and ought to. Additionally, need sometimes functions as a modal verb. Now that we finished that quick grammar lesson, let’s review the definition and uses of “can” and “could.” When To Use “Can”Here are the different uses of can: 1. Using “can” to express a strong possibility or indicate that something is certain to happenA bee sting can cause pain and discomfort. 2. Using “can” to indicate abilityI can run a mile in under eight minutes. 3. Using “can” to make a requestCan you upload the document onto the hard drive, please? 4. Using “can” to ask for permissionCan I go to the restroom, please? It’s important to note that using can to ask for permission is considered informal and colloquial. It can also be seen as ambiguous. Some people may read this question as if you’re questioning whether you’re capable of going to the restroom. The more appropriate modal verb to use in this instance would be may. May I go to the restroom, please? Can has two negated forms: Cannot is spelled without a space in between, and can’t is considered as a bit more informal. When To Use “Could”Could has similar uses, but there are some differences to keep in mind. We’ll review them below. 1. Using “could” to express possibilityThe main difference between could and can is that when expressing a possibility, could implies that something might happen, but there’s still a doubt. I could buy a new car by the end of the year if I save up enough money. 2. Using “could” to indicate possibility or ability in the pastI could have helped her had I known she was struggling. Larry could swim by the age of three. 3. Using “could” to make a requestCould you lower the volume? 4. Using “could” to ask for permissionCould I work a few extra hours this week? Again, may would be the grammatical correct modal verb to use in this scenario. However, when it comes to can and could, could is often considered the more polite word to use. Its negation is could not or couldn’t. “Could” vs. “Can”Understanding the difference between “could” and “can” may be challenging. The most important things to remember are:
When I was young, I could only write clearly in one language, but now thanks to LanguageTool, I can write clearly in multiple languages. Unleash the Professional Writer in You With LanguageToolGo well beyond grammar and spell checking. Impress with clear, precise, and stylistically flawless writing instead. Get started for free We Value Your FeedbackWe’ve made a mistake, forgotten about an important detail, or haven’t managed to get the point across? Let’s help each other to perfect our writing. What is the difference between May can and could?Discussing a Possibility: “Can” suggests a strong possibility or a general truth. “May” and “could” suggest we are less certain about something. Asking for Permission: You can use all three words to ask for permission. To be formal, though, you should use “may” instead of “could” or “can.”
What is the difference between could and can and would?Could, would, and should are all used to talk about possible events or situations, but each one tells us something different. Could is used to say that an action or event is possible. Would is used to talk about a possible or imagined situation, and is often used when that possible situation is not going to happen.
How can I use could in a sentence?"Could" is a modal verb used to express possibility or past ability as well as to make suggestions and requests. "Could" is also commonly used in conditional sentences as the conditional form of "can." Examples: Extreme rain could cause the river to flood the city.
Can or could you please?Originally Answered: "Can you please" or "Could you please" -- which is correct? "Could" is the polite form of "can"—so both are correct, but we use them in different situations. We use "can" when we are telling someone to do something. We use "could" when we are making a request.
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Whats the difference between can and could
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