Modal Verbs - Can - Could
Modal Verbs - Can - Could
Modal Verbs - Can - Could
Introduction
1) We use modal verbs to show if we believe something is certain, probable or possible (or
not). We also use modals to ask permission, make requests and offers etc.
Modal verbs fall into the category of auxiliary verbs (also known as helping verbs). It means
that they are used together with a main verb to give grammatical information and additional
meaning to a sentence.
2) The modal verb can has only two forms: can (present) and could (past). We use the
modal verb can and the base form of the verb to form sentences. Questions are formed by
inverting the subject and can. Negatives are formed with not. Contracted forms are used
(can’t/couldn’t).
can could
a) to talk about general abilities or skills in a) to talk about general abilities or skills in
the present. the past.
Can I borrow your pencil, please? Could I use your phone, please?
Can you help me, please? Could you show me the way, please?
Can I carry these bags for you? We could go to the bar if you want.
Short Story Dialogue
– Jamie, could you help me, please?
– Yeah, of course!
– Could you be the one to cook dinner today?
– Well, I can cook, but I’m not the best at it. Are you sure you want my help?
– Yes, I am sure that you can do it. Y
ou can simply follow the recipe, I’ll leave the
cooking book on the table.
– That I can do! You can count on me.
a. Liz loves her brother to death, but she …………... understand why he behaves like that
sometimes.
b. My grandmother traveled a lot. She …………... speak 4 languages.
c. I …………... eat 4 brownies in 1 minute.
d. I looked everywhere for the book, but I …………... find it.
a. Liz loves her brother to death, but she can’t understand why he behaves like that
sometimes.
b. My grandmother traveled a lot. She could speak 4 languages.
c. I can eat 4 brownies in 1 minute.
d. I looked everywhere for the book, but I couldn’t find it.