What does it mean?
Use can for present ability, possibility, and permission. Use can't for present negative ability or refusal. Use could for past ability and polite requests. Use couldn't for past negative ability.
I can swim.
She can't drive.
I could ride a bike when I was five.
We couldn't find the key.
Ask: present, past, or polite?
CanAli can ride a bike.Present ability.
CouldAli could ride a bike when he was five.Past ability.
Could I...?Could I use your pencil?Polite request.
Use can for present ability.
I can read Arabic.I know how to read it.Able to do it.
Maha can draw well.She has the skill.Ability.
They can't swim.They are not able to swim now.Negative ability.
Use could for past ability.
Past skillI could swim when I was six.I was able to swim then.
Past chanceWe could see the mountains yesterday.We were able to see them.
Past negativeI couldn't read when I was two.I was not able to read then.
Use can or could to ask permission.
Can I...?Can I open the window?Friendly permission.
Could I...?Could I borrow your pen?More polite.
Can'tYou can't run here.Not allowed.
Can and can't forms.
AffirmativeI can run.
She can sing.can + base verb
She can sing.can + base verb
NegativeI cannot run.
He can't sing.cannot / can't + base verb
He can't sing.cannot / can't + base verb
QuestionCan you run?
Can they sing?Can + subject + base verb?
Can they sing?Can + subject + base verb?
Could and couldn't forms.
AffirmativeI could run fast.
She could sing well.could + base verb.
She could sing well.could + base verb.
NegativeI could not run.
He couldn't sing.couldn't + base verb.
He couldn't sing.couldn't + base verb.
QuestionCould you read then?
Could I sit here?Past ability or polite request.
Could I sit here?Past ability or polite request.
Can and could can both be polite.
Can you help me?Friendly request.Normal.
Could you help me?More polite request.Softer.
Could I leave early?Polite permission.Formal or careful.
Use the base verb after can and could.
CorrectShe can play football.can + base verb.
CorrectHe couldn't speak French.couldn't + base verb.
Not correctShe can plays.
He could to speak.No -s. No to.
He could to speak.No -s. No to.
Choose the correct form.
I ___ across the pool now.
Choose the correct form.
Maha is six. She ___ a car.
Choose the polite request.
___ I use your pencil, please?
Which sentence shows past ability?
Choose the best sentence.
Which sentence shows past negative ability?
Choose the best sentence.
Fill five blanks.
Choose the correct form. Think about present ability, past ability, permission, and negatives.
Ali English and Arabic.
Yesterday, this box was too heavy. I it.
I open the window, please?
When he was young, Dad very fast.
You in the library.
Mixed question types of 5
Answer all five. Then tap Finish test to see your result sheet.
1. Sentence completion
Sara ___ very fast now.
2. MCQ
Which sentence is the most polite request?
3. Type the answer
Yesterday, we ___ open the old door.
4. Type the answer
When my father was young, he ___ climb tall trees.
5. MCQ
Which question is correct?
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