Modals of Ability Can and Could, Definition and Example Sentences
We use the modal CAN to talk about ability in the present.
- I can speak English
- You can drink my tea and read my book then.
- I can meet you tomorrow.
- She is old. She can’t play tennis.
- Can I ask a question?
We use the modal verb COULD to talk about ability in the past.
- When I was 6, I could ride a bike.
- We couldn’t go out.
- What could they draw? They could draw a horse.
- He could speak seven languages in thirties.
