Modals of Ability Can and Could, Definition and Example Sentences

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.