can / could

grammar (modal)/kæn, kʊd/ 🔊 listen

can and could are modal verbs. can = present ability/permission; could = past ability or a more polite request.

📖 Meanings

1can = present ability
"I can swim." — (ability now)
2could = past ability
"I could swim at age 5." — (past ability)
3could = more polite request
"Could you help me?" — (polite)
4can = permission (casual)
"Can I go now?" — (permission)

🔄 Often confused

can vs could →could vs would →can vs may →

💬 Phrases

Can you...?Could you...? (polite)I can't
❓ Which is more polite?