Modal verbs- these are verbs that express a person’s assessment of the surrounding reality. Without denoting an action, they express an attitude towards the action.
The action (meaning) itself is expressed by the infinitive of the verb (but without the particle to!), standing after the modal, therefore they are usually not used separately from semantic ones.
One of the most common and frequently used modal verbs is can (could). Let's consider the features of its use.
Rules for using the verbs can and could
The verb can, like other modal verbs, has grammatical features:
- The verb can does not change form for various persons and numbers (in the third person singular the ending –s is missing).
- Has no impersonal forms(that is, it does not form , and ).
- The verb can has no . In the past tense, this verb goes into the form could, and to form the future tense, they use the equivalent equivalent to be able to (to be able to do something).
I could play football from morning till night when I was a child.– I could play football from morning to night when I was a child.
I will be able to send you an answer tomorrow after breakfast.– I can send you an answer tomorrow after breakfast.
Note: to be able to has a slightly different meaning. Can expresses ability, possibility in a general sense, while to be able to – the ability to do something at a certain point in time.
The difference can be felt in the following example:
I can play the piano, but I am not able to do it at the moment because my hand is broken.– I know how to play the piano, but I won’t be able to play now (I don’t have the opportunity) because my arm is broken.
When forming negatives and questions with modal verbs, auxiliary verbs are not used.
To form a question, can (could) is simply placed before the subject:
Can you give me a screwdriver?-Can you give me a screwdriver?
There are two notations for negation with can – full and abbreviated:
- Cannot(only continuous writing) – can’t (in the present tense);
- Could not– couldn’t (in the past).
The abbreviated form is used in informal, colloquial speech.
You can’t just sit and watch TV all day long. – You can't just sit and watch TV all day.
Use of the verb can (lexical meaning of can)
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Negations with verbs can (could)
They are built without auxiliary verbs, the particle not is placed after the verb can/could.
Examples:
You cannot (can’t) act this way, there are children all around.“You can’t behave like that, there are children around here.”
Jake could not (couldn’t) understand anything at the lesson yesterday.– Jake couldn’t understand anything during class yesterday.
Interrogative sentences with verbs can/could
To construct a question, let’s change the word order characteristic of an affirmative sentence: Can/could + subject + semantic verb + other members of the sentence.
Examples:
Can you find any mistakes in this text?– Can you find errors in this text?
Could you read when you were four years old? – Did you know how to read when you were four years old?
Using interrogative sentences with can (could) they often express a request, which is usually translated into Russian as “Could you,” “allow”:
Can I ask you a couple of questions?– Can I ask you a couple of questions? (May I ask you a couple of questions?)
Could you give me that juicy piece of meat? – Could you pass me that juicy piece of meat?
Constructing questions with can (could) with clarifying words
For additional information, please clarify:
- Who (who)
- What (what)
- Where (where)
- When
- Which (which)
- Why (why)
Remains the same as in an interrogative sentence without qualifying words, but a qualifying word is placed before can/could:
Specifying word + can/could + subject + semantic verb + other parts of the sentence.
Examples:
Who can show me the city?– Who can show me the city?
What can Peter do to save the situation?– What should Peter do to save the situation?
Note. In questions with clarifying words, the verb can (could) is often not translated:
Where can I find the best restaurant?– Where can I find the best restaurant?
Who can speak German? – Does anyone speak German?
Set expressions with can
Let's list them:
- Can't stand- I can’t stand it, I can’t stand it
- Can't help doing something– I can’t help but do something (I can’t resist doing something)
- Can't take my eyes off her/him– I can’t take my eyes off him/her
- Can't think straight– I can’t concentrate
- Can't get you out of my head- I can’t get you out of my head
- Can't get enough of something– I can’t get enough of anything
Let's summarize:
- The verb can does not indicate action, and therefore is used only together with semantic verbs;
- Could is, but it can also signify in some senses;
- with can, as well as negative ones, are constructed without the use of auxiliary verbs, simply by changing the word order (for questions) and adding a negative particle (for negation);
- Meaning of the verb can: ability, skill, resolution, doubt (surprise);
- When expressing the meaning of doubt, distrust using could instead of can will make you less categorical and rigid;
- If you ask permission for someone, then using could instead of can will make the tone more polite;
- There are many set expressions with can, which are better to learn.
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Video lesson: Modal verb could in English
In English could in combination with the infinitive of the main verb (without the particle to!) it is also used as a form subjunctive mood. In this case, when translating into Russian, most often could the particle “would” is added: could, could, could.
I could help you. - I could help you.
The subjunctive mood shows that the speaker views the action as possible, desirable, or expected. In other words, a verb in the subjunctive mood can express the possibility, assumption, doubt, desire or unreality of an action. The subjunctive mood is usually translated into Russian by a combination of a verb in the past tense and the particle “would” - in the case of could — could, could.Possibility now or in the future
Modal verb could used to express the possibility of taking an action in the present or future. In other words, using could we can talk about possible actions that could happen now or in the future.
We could still win— the game isn’t over yet. - We could still win - the game is not over yet.
Could in this sentence it is used as a form of the subjunctive mood and expresses the possibility of performing an action “all is not lost, we can win, such a possibility exists.”
We can still win— the game isn’t over yet. - We can still win - the game is not over yet.
But in this case, the proposal with can will sound more categorical, more confident. In turn, could is a less definite form than can. Could in general, softens the entire statement and at the same time expresses a lesser degree of confidence in the possibility of performing the action.
Thus:
We can still win— the game isn’t over yet. - We can still win - the game is not over yet.
The proposal sounds more categorical, we are more confident in the possibility of winning.
We could still win— the game isn’t over yet. - We could still win - the game is not over yet.
The sentence sounds softer, while using could brings a tinge of uncertainty - we do not rule out that there is an opportunity to win, but we are less confident about it. Hence the particle “would” in Russian translation.
More examples:
I could do it now, if you like. “I could do it now if you want.”
What shall we do tomorrow? ~ Well, we could go to the cinema. - What will we do tomorrow? ~ Well, we could go to the cinema.
When you go to Paris next month, you could stay with Kate. ~ Yes, I suppose I could. — When you go to Paris next month, you could stay with Kate. ~ Yes, I think I could.
Please note that using could in these sentences we do not simply express a real-life opportunity, we propose “to do something; go to the cinema; stay with Kate."
Together with could you can often find the adverb easily(easy, very likely, quite likely), which allows you to highlight a real opportunity.
Also note that it is not always could in this case, you can translate it into Russian using the past tense and the particle “would”, since in Russian it may sound unnatural and slightly distort the meaning.
You could easily lose your way in the dark. “You can easily lose your way in the dark.”
In a situation like this, anything could happen. “Anything can happen in such a situation.”
IN in this case we are simply saying that this is quite possible, but at the same time the proposals sound less confident and not as categorical as they would have sounded with can. If you use can, it will mean that the speaker is confident that you can get lost in the dark and that in such a situation anything can happen; for the speaker this is a kind of “fact, a well-known truth.” C could we only admit the possibility that this can happen.
In this meaning could used with without particle to(verbs in all dictionaries are represented by a simple infinitive form: speak, read, lose, fall, go etc.).
Suggestions, requests, permission
Using a modal verb could In English you can offer to do something, ask for something or ask permission.
Offers
Modal verb could we can use whenever we want invite someone to do something. At the same time, such a proposal with could will be somewhat vague in nature and sound unobtrusive than the same with.
We could write a letter to the manager. — We could write a letter to the manager.
I could help you with your homework. — I could help you with your homework.
I could invite you for a cup of coffee. — I could invite you for a cup of coffee.
To ask someone to do something, we can also use a modal verb can:We can write a letter to the manager. — We can write a letter to the manager.
I can help you with your homework. — I can help you with your homework.
I can invite you for a cup of coffee. — I can invite you for a cup of coffee.
Offers with can will sound more confident and categorical, whereas c could softer, but with less confidence. It will be more of a hint that you could do something.
Requests
In English could also used to express a polite request. That is, we can use could, to politely ask someone to do something. Typically, a request is an interrogative sentence:
Could you help me with these boxes? — Could you help me with these boxes?
Could you open the window, please? — Could you open the window, please?
Could you lend me one thousand rubles until tomorrow? - Could you lend me a thousand rubles until tomorrow?
Usually this usage could more common in formal speech as it is a polite request. In an informal setting, when communicating with people you know well, the following is usually used:
Can you help me with these boxes? -Can you help me with these boxes?
Permission
Could also used to ask permission to do something. But at the same time, please note could not used to give or deny permission. In this case, if you want to allow or prohibit something, you can use a modal verb can.
Could I ask do you have a question? ~ Yes, of course you can. - Can I ask you a question? ~ Yes, of course you can. / Can I ask you a question? ~ Yes, of course you can.
(could- I ask permission; can- I give permission)
Could I leave early today? ~Sorry, but you can't. We have a lot of work to do. —Can I leave early today? ~ I'm sorry, but you can't. We have a lot of work to do. / Can I leave early today? ~ I'm sorry, but you can't. We have a lot of work to do.
(could- I ask permission; can't- I refuse permission)
Unlike the modal verb can, which is also used to ask permission, could is a more formal and polite form. Therefore, if we want to show respect to the interlocutor or simply be polite, then in this case we should choose could.
Assumption
Could can be used like modal verbs may And might and express guess with a hint of doubt and uncertainty. In this meaning could(as well as may With might) is used with and corresponds to the Russian “possibly, maybe”. In other words, using could we can make a guess:
Is it happening? - Is this happening now? ~ Possibly happening.
Will it happen? - Will this happen? ~ It might happen.
In this case, the speaker thinks it is possible, but does not know for sure.
Note that it is not used in the meaning of guess.
Could + simple infinitive
Could + simple infinitive: refers to the present or future tense - “may be doing / happening” or “may be doing / happening.”
The simple infinitive is the base form and represents the verb in the dictionary ( to read, to be, to write, to go, to come etc.); in combination with could used without a particle to: could be, could read, could come.Where's Mike? ~ I don't know. He could be in the garden. - Where is Mike? ~ I don't know. Perhaps he is in the garden. / He may be in the garden.
In this sentence we make a guess as to where Mike is now. However, please note that I am not sure that he is in the garden, I am just guessing.
It could rain this evening, but I think it probably won’t. — It might rain this evening, but I think most likely not. / Maybe it will rain this evening, but I think most likely not.
In this sentence we assume that it will rain in the evening, but we are not very sure about it. Note that in this case we are making a guess about an action that may happen in the future.
This car could be my neighbor’s, but I’m not sure. — It might be my neighbor's car, but I'm not sure.
Could + continuous infinitive
Could + continuous infinitive: emphasizes the duration of the action - “perhaps doing / happening now.”
The continuous infinitive is formed using an auxiliary verb to be and a semantic verb with the ending -ing: to be going, to be sleeping, to be reading, to be working; in combination with could used without particle to: could be sleeping, could be working, could be reading.He could be sleeping now. “Perhaps he is sleeping now.”
Could + perfect infinitive
Could + perfect infinitive: action refers to the past - “may have done.”
Perfect infinitive (or perfect infinitive) is formed using an auxiliary verb to have and semantic verb in III form: to have come, to have met, to have worked; in combination with could used without a particle to: could have come, could have met, could have worked.Don't worry - they could have just forgotten to call. - Don't worry - maybe they just forgot to call. / Don't worry - they might just forget to call.
In this sentence, we make a guess about an action that could have happened in the past: perhaps they simply forgot, which is why they did not call.
Why didn’t he come to the party yesterday? ~He could have been too tired to go to the party. — Why didn’t he come to the party yesterday? ~ He might be too tired to go to the party.
In this sentence we also make an assumption about an action in the past: perhaps he was tired, so he did not come to the party.
Could have + III form of the verb: could have happened, but did not happen
Could in combination with the perfect infinitive is also used when we want to say that could have done something in the past, but didn’t:
I could have won the game but decided to let her win. “I could have won, but I decided to let her win.”
I could have won then, but I didn’t because I decided to let her win.
They could have taken a taxi home instead of walking and getting wet. “They could take a taxi home instead of walking and getting wet.”
They could have taken a taxi then, but did not.
He could have married any girl he wanted to. “He could have married any girl he wanted.”
He could have, but he didn't.
Thus, using could have + verb in III form, we are talking about something that could have happened in the past, but did not happen. At the same time, such sentences often contain a tinge of regret:
I could have been a doctor. - I could become a doctor.
She could have, but she didn't. Now I regret the missed opportunity.
Disapproval/Condemnation
Also using could have + verb in III form we can express disapproval or condemn an action:
They could at least have said they were sorry. “At least they could have said they were sorry.”
The proposal refers to the past: they could, but they didn’t, and I don’t approve of it.
You could have told me you were getting married. “You could have told me you were getting married.”
The sentence refers to the past: I could have said it, but I didn’t, and I don’t like it.
If you use could combined with a simple infinitive, the action will refer to the present:
You could at least say that you are sorry. “You could at least say that you’re sorry.”
Could here expresses disapproval, while the action relates to the present, so there is still a possibility that you will say it, although I doubt it.
Expression How could you / she / he / they ...? often used to show that you do not approve of someone's behavior:
How could you be so cruel! - How can you be so cruel!
How could you have gone without telling me? - How could you leave without telling me?
This sentence uses the perfect infinitive, so
This usage could is more typical for colloquial speech.
Also in colloquial speech could with words expressing emotions, conveys desire, the inclination “ready / was ready.” In this case, we focus on the feelings that we experience or have experienced, slightly exaggerating:
I'm so tired I could sleep for a week. “I’m so tired that I could sleep for a week.”
Action refers to the present.
I was so angry could have killed her. “I was so angry that I was ready to kill her.” / I was so angry that I could have killed her.
The action refers to the past.
In this way, we emphasize how strong the emotions we experience or have experienced.
Doubt. Astonishment
In negative sentences could expresses doubt, mistrust and corresponds to Russian “It can’t be that... / Incredible...”. In this case could used similarly. Moreover, in this meaning one can more often find precisely can. note that could in this case it can be used with different types of infinitive.
She must have made a mistake. It couldn't be true. “She must have made a mistake.” This can't be true.
I'm sure this can't be true. The proposal applies to the present.
A firework couldn't have done all that damage. “There's no way the fireworks caused all this damage.” / Fireworks couldn't have done all this damage.
I'm sure this is impossible. In this sentence the action refers to the past.
He couldn't be lying to us. He is an honest man. “It can’t be that he’s lying to us now.” He is an honest man.
In this sentence, the long infinitive is used to emphasize the duration of the action.
He couldn't have taken the money. - It’s impossible that he took this money. / He couldn’t take this money.
The action refers to the past.
In all of these sentences, the speaker is absolutely sure that something is impossible or extremely unlikely.
In interrogative sentences could with different forms of the infinitive, like can, Maybe express surprise mixed with doubt and correspond to Russian “Really?”. At the same time could, unlike can, expresses a great degree of doubt.
Could it be true? - Is this really true?
Could he be still sleeping? - Is he still sleeping?
Could he have said it? - Did he really say that?
Modal verbs are ambiguous, so depending on the context, the same sentence can be interpreted in different ways.Can and its past form could are practically the most frequently used modal. It is found in literature, in the media, and in colloquial speech. If we compare the frequency of use of can and could, it becomes clear that can is much more common. This is due to the fact that in colloquial speech and literature events occur mainly in the present tense, which means that can will be used in the meaning of physical possibility. Let's look at the grammatical features of these modal verbs and the features of their use.
Grammatical features of can and could
Like most modals, can/could are used without the to particle after them, that is, with the so-called “bare” or bare infinitive. The use of to after these modals is one of the most gross and cartoonish mistakes. This is equivalent to saying “he haves” instead of the grammatically correct “ ”. There are not so many modals that require a piece of the infinitive after themselves and they can be easily remembered. According to general rule, to is not placed after modal verbs:
- I can do this of course, but you should be careful and take care of yourself - Of course, I can do this, but you should be careful and take care of yourself.
- Who can translate this text into Spanish? — I can, I am a translator but with little practice. — Who can translate this text into Spanish? — I can, I’m a translator, but I have little experience.
- Could you help me with this luggage? It’s too heavy and I have just had a surgery and not allowed to lift heavy things – Could you help me with my luggage? It's very heavy. And I just recently came out of surgery and I can’t lift weights.
In all three examples it is clear that after can/could there is a verb immediately without an infinitive particle.
The next feature, more related to can, is that this verb has the past tense form - could. It is used not only directly in the past tense, but also in sentences with speech agreement, as well as in conditional sentences.
- I could do it when I was younger, but I am not twenty now and even not thirty, you should admit. “I could do this when I was younger.” But I’m no longer twenty, or even thirty, as you must have noticed.
In this case, the speaker refers his speech to the past, when he could have performed a certain action. Here we simply use could in the basic meaning - the physical ability to do something in the past tense and nothing more.
- The doctor said that they could swim if they want to but not for long distances - The doctor said that they can swim if they want, but long distances must be avoided.
Here is a sentence that has obviously been translated from direct speech to indirect speech. According to the rule of tense agreement, can should have passed into the past tense, namely, become could due to the fact that in the first part of the sentence there is said - an indicator of the need for agreement.
In interrogative and negative sentences, can/could are used without auxiliary verbs and themselves take their place in sentences:
- Can we get out of here? I don’t like this place, I am scared and I don;t believe this woman, she looks strange – Can we get out of here? I don't like this place, I'm scared and I don't trust this woman. She looks strange.
- I can’t tell you the truth just because I don’t know all the details, I am not the person to be asked for truth in this matter – I can’t tell you the truth because I don’t know all the details. I am not the right person to ask about the truth regarding this situation.
In the first sentence in the question, can has taken the place of the auxiliary verb in the general question. And in the second case, it also stands where, according to the meaning, there should be an auxiliary with a negative particle not. These are reflections of the history of the development of modals, when auxiliary verbs had not yet appeared in the form as we know them, but modals already existed and were used. In order to emphasize the special status of most modals, later they began to be used without auxiliary verbs.
Can does not have a future tense form. This means that to denote a possibility in the future, the equivalent of to be able to is used:
- I will be able to read this book in English in a year I suppose - I think I can read this book in English.
Also, the modals can/could do not change across faces. That is, they use only one form:
- We can sing, she can sing, but you – you can’t at all – We can sing, she can sing, but you – you can’t at all.
Using can/could in different situations
As stated above, can, as a basic rule, denotes the physical or mental ability to do something. That is, this is what a person can do based on his own strengths and skills. This rule is best illustrated by cases for denoting physical possibility:
- I can swim well, don’t be afraid – I can swim, don’t worry.
The second case is a general possibility or probability, something that is easy to assume from the available facts.
- She can be there, it’s quite her style – to vanish in some hidden nook for a couple of days – She can be there, it’s like her to disappear for a couple of days and sit in some secluded corner.
The third is not a specific, but a theoretical possibility. Sentences of this type are familiar to everyone from school:
- You can see a lot of pictures in the museum – In the museum you can see a lot of paintings.
Can is often used in questions expressing a request. By the way, in negations that mean refusal, only can is used, as can be seen from the following example:
- Can I come in? - No, you can’t, I am too busy. - Can I come in? - No, you can’t, I’m very busy.
can has an equivalent - may. But even to a question that begins with may, the answer will still be can’t. This question is more formal and polite than the can option.
- May I take this cake? - No, you can’t. It's for guests. —Can I have some cake? - No, you can’t, this is for guests.
Could, as opposed to can, is used either as a more polite option or to express an action in the past. To indicate reproach, could + have +V3 is used:
- Look what you did! You could have been more careful! - Look what you've done! You could be more careful!
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Basic meaning of modal verb can- the ability or ability to do something. Translated into Russian can means “to be able to, to be able to.”
Modal verb can. Forms
This modal verb has 2 tense forms: can(present tense) and could(past).
I can swim.- I can swim.
I cannot swim. = I can't swim(short form). - I can not swim.
Can you swim? — Yes, I can. / No, I can’t.-Can you swim? - Yes, I can. / No, I can’t.
I could swim when I was little. — I could (knew) swim when I was little.
I couldn't swim when I was little. = I couldn't swim(short form) when I was little. — I didn’t know how to swim when I was little.
Could you swim when were you little? — Yes, I could. / No, I couldn’t.— Did you know how to swim when you were little? - Yes, I could. / No, I couldn’t.
Modal verb can. Values
Modal verb can can express:
ability(physical or mental) perform any action:
She can speak several languages. — She can speak several languages.
They can't dance very well. - They don't know how to dance well.
He can't drive he is too tired. — He can't drive, he's too tired.
She could swim when she was 5. — She knew how to swim when she was 5.
objectively existing opportunity:
You can easily lose your way in the dark. “You can easily lose your way in the dark.”
It can be very cold in winter. — It can be very cold in winter.
permission(by using can you can ask permission to do something or give permission):
Can I ask a question? - Can I ask a question?
Could I ask a question, please? — Can I ask a question, please? (here could is used as a polite form in more formal situations)
You can go home now if you like. “You can go home now if you want.”
ban in negative sentences:
You can't go for a walk, it’s too late. - You can't go for a walk, it's too late.
request, while could will express a more polite request (“Could you...?”):
Can you close the door? -Can you close the door?
Could you close the door, please? — Could you close the door, please?
astonishment in interrogative sentences, translated into Russian “Really...?”:
Can it be 6 o'clock already? — Is it really 6 o’clock already?
Can he be still sleeping? - Is he still sleeping?
mistrust in negative sentences, translated into Russian “It cannot be that...”:
It can't be 6 o'clock already. — It can’t be that it’s already 6 o’clock.
Expressions with can
Remember the following expressions with can:
He couldn't help(He couldn't help but) laughing(laugh).
I can't but(I have no choice but) ask him about it(ask him about it).
It can't be possibly true.- It can't be true.
Be able to - equivalent to the modal verb can
Modal verb can has its equivalent be able to- “to be capable, able, able, able”, which can be used in the present, past and future tenses. For this be is put into the required temporary form:
Present Simple: am / is / are + able to — He is able to do it. - He can (be able) to do it.
Past Simple: was / were + able to — He was able to do it yesterday. — He could (was able) to do it yesterday.
Future Simple: will be + able to — He will be able to do it tomorrow. — He can (will be able to) do it tomorrow.
Present Perfect: have / has been + able to — He has been able to swim since childhood. — He has been able to swim since childhood.
Be able to is not a modal verb, but is used instead can / could in the meaning of ability/possibility in the case when we want to use time that cannot be conveyed with can or could. But there is also a slight semantic difference between can / could And be able to: can means the possibility of performing an action in general, and be able to- a specific, single action at a specific moment.I can swim across the river. — I can swim across this river (in general).
I am able to swim across the river. — I am able (can) swim across this river (now, when necessary).
The modal verb can is the most commonly used verb in English. The modal verb Could is a more polite form, but this is not the only difference, and a little later you will find out how can differs from could.
The three main uses of the modal verb “to be able” are the ability to do something, or the lack of ability, also possibility (possibility), permission (permission). However, there are other usage situations that you will learn in this article. The topic is not difficult, but you still have to work hard. After reading the rule to the end, you can do exercises on modal verbs. Let's begin!
Rules for the formation of modal verbs can and could
The first thing to remember is that after modal verbs we do not put a particle to. Also the verb remains in its original form. Meaning can in English – be able, be able to.
Let's take a look at the education table modal verb in the present tense, that is, in the affirmative, negative and interrogative forms, and how to use it in short answers.
As you can see, there is nothing difficult, everything works according to the old scheme. Questions with can come first, and in negation the particle not is added to the modal verb, and do not forget that the shortened form is used more often.
Transcription can
Transcription cannot[ˈkænɒt]
Let's look at the table of formation of the modal verb can in the past tense. Take a look at the transcription could- letter L don't say it.
Using modal verbs can and could
Here you will learn when to use could in English and when to use it.
The modal verb can is used to express the following meanings:
- 1. Ability - Ability
The verb Can expresses the physical or mental ability and ability to perform certain actions. However, if it is necessary to express that an action relates to the future, use will be able to .
Examples:
- Present time reference – Present tense:
- Lukas can read Arabic - Lukas can read Arabic. - Past time reference - Past tense:
- Lukas could read Arabic at the age of five - Lukas could read Arabic at the age of five.
— Could you read before you went to school? – Did you know how to read before going to school?
- Present time reference – Present tense:
- Future time reference – Future tense:
Can in the future tense changes to will be able to and note that it is used in conjunction with the particle to.
- I will be able to write to you from Brazil - I will be able to write to you from Brazil.
- He will be able to run a marathon - He will be able to participate in the marathon.
The main difference between can and could is that the first is used when we can do something in the present, and the second when we were able to do something in the past.
- Note 1:
To describe the successful completion of a specific action or a specific achievement (especially if it is difficult, requiring some effort) was (were) able to, managed or succeeded (in…ing) used:
- Since the test was difficult, only a few pupils were able to pass it - Since the test was difficult, only a few students were able to pass it.
— I managed to find a really nice skirt in the sale — I managed to find a very beautiful skirt on sale.
- Phillip has finally succeeded in passing his exams - Phillip finally successfully passed his exams.
However, to describe a general ability in the past or a specific action that was not successfully completed, we use could And was/were able to:
- By the time Rita was eleven, she could / was able to speak three languages - By the time Rita was eleven, she could speak three languages.
— They couldn't / weren't able to get tickets for the concert yesterday – They couldn’t buy tickets for the concert.
Can or could are usually used when we are talking about specific cases with verbs of perception (feel, see, hear, smell, taste) and with verbs of mental state (believe, decide, understand):
- I could hear a noise coming from the dining room - I heard noise coming from the dining room.
- I can’t understand how to do this exercise - I can’t understand how to do this exercise.
- 2. Possibility - expression of probability .
- You know he can win this competition - You know, he can win this competition. (90% confidence)
- They could still be at school - They can still be at school. (50% confidence)
Could + perfect infinitive also used when an action was possible, but did not actually happen:
- He could have been killed in the car crash - He could have died in a car accident. (Fortunately, he did not die).
- 3. Permission - permission .
The modal verb “to be able, to be able” is used to give permission only in affirmative sentences or in indirect speech (in accordance with the rules of tense agreement):
- You can pay by your credit card - You can pay credit card.
- Mother said that I could use her computer - Mom said that I could take her computer.
- 4. Request - request.
Modal verb "to be able" used to ask permission or ask people to do something. Used in interrogative sentences and indirect questions.
— Can you put the children to bed? – Could you put the children to bed?
- She asked me if she could use my computer - She asked me if she could take my computer.
Verb could in English it is used to sound politer, more formal:
— Could I try on that dress, please? – Can I try on this dress, please?
— Could you lend me your book until tomorrow? – Could you lend me your book until tomorrow?
- Note 2:
There are a few more polite ways that are useful to know:
— Could I possibly leave the office an hour earlier than usual? — Can I leave the office an hour earlier than usual?
— Do you think you could lend me your guitar for the evening? – Could you lend me your guitar for the evening?
— I was wondering if you could move your car as it’s blocking the entrance to my garage — I wanted to ask if you could move your car, since it’s blocking the entrance to my garage.
- 5. Prohibition .
In this case, the modal verb “to be able” is used in a negative form, since it implies a refusal to do something. The equivalent of the modal verb "to be able" is not to be allowed to. You need to translate into Russian words no, no need:
- You can’t sit on the grass - You can’t sit on the grass.
- He said that we couldn’t take so many things with us - He said that we can’t take so many things with us.
- 6. Unreality - Unreality .
In this case could used in unreal conditionals:
- We could have bought a small house with what we spent on our dog and all the things he destroyed - We could have bought a small house, but spent all the money on the dog and what he broke.
— Could you go on business with me if I asked you? – Would you go with me on business if I asked you?
- 7. Astonishment - Surprise .
In this meaning modal verbs are used only in interrogative sentences (in general questions). They are translated into Russian the same way: really; could it be that; is it possible that.
Depending on the time, can/could in this meaning they are used in combination with various forms of the infinitive. The suggestions below can be used either with modal verb can, or with a modal verb could.
— Could they really be at home? – Are they still at home?
Infinitive form - Indefinite
— Could they be working together? - Could it be that they work together?
The form of the infinitive is Continuous.
— Could she have told are you about her promotion? – Did she really tell you about the promotion?
The infinitive form is Perfect.
— Could she have been running for four hours? – Could it be that she ran for four hours?
The infinitive form is Perfect Continuous.
The suggestions below can be used either with modal verb can, or with a modal verb could.
isn't she/he
- a)
:
— Could it be that he hasn’t found the book? - Didn’t he find the book?
Or
Is it possible that…. - b) different lexical meanings
:
— Could Sarah be dissatisfied with her marriage? – Is Sarah unhappy with her marriage?
(negative prefix – dis)
— Could you have told nobody about it? “Didn’t you really tell anyone about this?”
(negative pronoun - nobody)
- Could he have never kissed you? - Has he never kissed you?
(negative adverb – never)
- 8. Incredulity, improbability - Distrust, improbability .
Here the modal verb "can" is used only in negative sentences, which are often emotionally charged. Just like in the seventh paragraph, can/could is used with various forms of the infinitive. We translate into Russian: it cannot be that; it is incredible that; unlikely.
— She looks so young. She can't/couldn't be thirty yet (=I’m sure she’s not thirty) – It can’t be that she’s thirty years old.
— Sandra couldn't have fixed the computer; it’s still not working properly (=I am certain she hasn’t fixed it) – It can’t be that she fixed the computer, it still doesn’t work.
The suggestions below can be used either with modal verb can't in a negative form, or with a modal verb couldn't.
In Russian, negative questions like - it can't be that she/he doesn't... are expressed in different ways in English:
- a) complex sentences
:
— It couldn’t be that he hasn’t found the book? - It can’t be that he didn’t find the book?
Or
— It isn't possible… - b) negative prefixes
:
-You couldn't dislike it here - It’s impossible that you don’t like it here.
- 9. Supposition implying uncertainty, doubt – Assumption implying uncertainty, doubt.
Using a modal verb could in affirmative sentences, doubt and assumption can also take on the meaning. Translated into Russian with words such as Maybe And May be. In English it can also be represented using modals maybe, perhaps, perhaps, it’s possible. And can be used with various forms of the infinitive. Read the sentences with could and pay attention to the translation:
— Do you know the person talking to Mary? – It could be her manager – Do you know who Mary is talking to? “Maybe it’s her manager.”
— I wonder where Sam is? He couldn't be learning Japanese – I wonder where Sam is? Perhaps he is learning Japanese.
- 10. Criticism - Criticism .
Modal verb only could can be used to criticize people. Used in combination with various forms of the infinitive:
— You could ask me before you borrow my dress – You could ask my permission every time you take my dress. (This sentence applies to the present time).
— You could have told me you were leaving for the United States - You could tell me that you are leaving for the USA. (This sentence refers to the past tense)
- 11. Emotional coloring – Emotional coloring .
Behind modal verbs Can/could followed by various forms of the infinitive in special questions, where they are used to express impatience, bewilderment, and so on.
—How could/can you be so silly, James? “How can you be so stupid, James?”
—What could she be looking for? - And what could she be looking for?
Be sure to watch the video on how the modal verb is used in everyday life. In this video, Americans will pronounce /kænt/, since this is the American pronunciation, but if you are fans of the British accent, the British will pronounce /ka:nt/. Write in the comments which accent you like best.
Set phrases with modal verbs can and could
Pay attention to the following set phrases with the modal verb can in English:
a) Cannot or shortened form (can’t) help doing smth. - I can’t help but do something.
- I couldn’t help overhearing what they said - I couldn’t help but overhear their conversation.
b) Cannot or shortened form (can’t) but do smth. - I have no choice but...
- I cannot but wonder what I should do next. “I have no choice but to guess what to do next.”
Difference between Can and Be able to
We already talked about this in note number 1, but let's look at it again in more detail.
Be able to is the equivalent of the modal verb can/could or a synonymous expression. It is known that modal verb “to be able” and be able to used when we talk about the ability to do something. However, there are many situations where we cannot use modal verbs can or could, when we talk about the ability to perform some actions, and in this case we need to use a different verb. And one of these verbs is be able to.
In general, be able to and the modal verb “to be able” have the same meaning in both forms. So you can use any verb without any difference in meaning.
Examples:
- He can speak Spanish very well - He speaks Spanish well.
= He’s able to speak Spanish very well.
These sentences have the same meaning.
- You could run much faster when you were younger - When you were younger, you could run faster.
= You were able to run……
Again, the sentences are the same in meaning.
However, we cannot use the modal verb "to be able" in different tenses. If you want to use can in present perfect, then we should use be able to.
- She’s been able to swim since she was three years old - She knew how to swim since she was three years old.
In general, if it is possible to use the verb “to be able” in the past or present form, then it is best to use it, since it is much simpler and the sentences do not look so complex.
Be able to is sometimes used instead of could or the verb "to be able" in the present tense because it sounds more formal.
Be able to in the past form. Difference Could / Was able to
Great, now let's see how to use be able to in past form.
Let's look at an example:
— The traffic was really bad, but we could catch our train.
Do you think the sentence sounds right? - Of course not.
Why can't we use could in this sentence? Because we cannot use could when talking about specific abilities in the past. In this case we must use be able to in the past form.
- The traffic was really bad, but we were able to catch out train - There were traffic jams on the roads, but we were able to catch the train. Or = we were managed to catch our train….
In both sentences we are talking about one moment, one train. This is a specific, isolated situation and therefore we cannot use could.
Let's look at a few more examples:
- It was hard work, but I managed to finish everything on time - It was hard work, but I managed to finish everything on time. = (I finished something specific at a specific moment).
- Our car broke down on the way, but luckily my husband was able to fix it - Our car broke down on the way, but, fortunately, my husband managed to fix it. = (He fixed it at a specific moment).
Mini life hack
Remember, if you are not sure which modal verb to use, you can always use be able to in all cases and you will never go wrong.
We invite you to download a detailed table with examples, synonymous expressions and translation.
Exercises: can, could, be able to
Having studied the modal verbs can could and learned the differences between them and the phrase be able to, we suggest you do an online exercise on the topic covered.
