Modals – Using CAN and COULD in English

How to use can and could in english, example sentences;

Modals CAN,Using Can and Example Sentences

Ability

• I can speak three languages
• She can play the piano.

Offer

• Can I help you?
• I can send this letter for you.

Possibility

• Smoking can cause cancer.
• It can get very hot there these days.

Request

• Can you hand me the pencil?
• Can I go to the park?

Permission

• Can I borrow your notebook?
• Can I speak to Mary?

 

Modals COULD,Using Could and Example Sentences

Ability

• I could play a guitar when I was a child
• I could smell something burning.

Suggestion

• I could help you with Spanish.
• They could go to the movies if you are interested.

Possibility

• A lof of crime could be prevented.
• You could have called first.

Request

• Could you hand me the pencil?
• Could I go to the park?

Permission

• Could I borrow your notebook?
• Could I speak to Mary?