Section outline

  • The modal verb 'could' is the past tense of the modal verb 'can'. 

    Use of verbs 'can & could':
    To express Examples
    Ability or capacity  I can walk up the hill. (present ability)
    I could run up the hill when I was a child. (past ability)
    Permission (seek & grant) Can he go home now? (seek)
    Yes, he can go home now. (grant)
    Could you go to the store? (past)
    Possibility It can rain now. (strong)
    It could rain in the evening. (weak)
    Offer Can I clean the room for you?
    Could I get you something to eat? 
    Suggestion You can drop me home today.
    We could play after you finish your work.
    Request  Can you please help me with the homework?
    Could you please pass those books?
    Negative Use  We can't make it to the party tonight.
    We couldn't sleep on the flight.
    'Could' as indirect speech You said that I could go for picnic.