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Modals · CEFR A1 · Starting
Ability, and asking for things. "Could" is the politer one.
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I can swim.
can / could + plain verb
Question 1 of 1
Choose an answer, then check why it fits.
This is a check of this example, not an English level assessment.
Example 1 of 4
मैं तैर सकता हूँ।
I can swim.
Ability, and asking for things. "Could" is the politer one.
I can drive.
Ability, and asking for things. "Could" is the politer one.
I can speak English.
Ability, and asking for things. "Could" is the politer one.
I can cook.
Ability, and asking for things. "Could" is the politer one.
The shape
can / could + plain verb
Say what you can do, and ask for things politely.
In Hindi
क्षमता, और कुछ माँगने के लिए। "Could" ज़्यादा शिष्ट है।
CoCap explains every structure in both languages, because a rule you understand in Hindi is a rule you can use in English.
The sentence Indian-English speakers actually produce, and the reason it is wrong.
| Commonly said | Correct English |
|---|---|
Can you to help me? | Can you help me? After a modal the verb stays plain. |
Easiest first. Every sentence is authored, with the Hindi it comes from.
I can swim.
मैं तैर सकता हूँ।
I can drive.
मैं गाड़ी चला सकता हूँ।
also correct: I can drive a car.
I can speak English.
मैं अंग्रेज़ी बोल सकता हूँ।
I can cook.
मैं खाना बना सकता हूँ।
I can do this.
मैं यह कर सकता हूँ।
I can sit here.
मैं यहाँ बैठ सकता हूँ।
I can run fast.
मैं तेज़ दौड़ सकता हूँ।
I cannot swim.
मैं तैर नहीं सकता।
also correct: I can't swim.
I can help you.
मैं तुम्हारी मदद कर सकता हूँ।
I can go with you.
मैं तुम्हारे साथ जा सकता हूँ।
Close enough to be mixed up with this one. Knowing the difference is most of knowing either.
Where this structure sits in the ladder, and what surrounds it.
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