Modals · CEFR A1 · Starting
can / could — English modal verbs
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 mistake to fix first
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. |
can / could examples
Easiest first. Every sentence is authored, with the Hindi it comes from.
I can swim.
मैं तैर {सकता|सकती} हूँ।
I can drive.
मैं गाड़ी चला {सकता|सकती} हूँ।
also correct: I can drive a car.
I can speak English.
मैं अंग्रेज़ी बोल {सकता|सकती} हूँ।
I can cook.
मैं खाना बना {सकता|सकती} हूँ।
I can do this.
मैं यह कर {सकता|सकती} हूँ।
I can sit here.
मैं यहाँ बैठ {सकता|सकती} हूँ।
I can run fast.
मैं तेज़ दौड़ {सकता|सकती} हूँ।
I cannot swim.
मैं तैर नहीं {सकता|सकती}।
also correct: I can't swim.
I can help you.
मैं तुम्हारी मदद कर {सकता|सकती} हूँ।
I can go with you.
मैं तुम्हारे साथ जा {सकता|सकती} हूँ।
Easy to confuse with
Close enough to be mixed up with this one. Knowing the difference is most of knowing either.
- be able toA2Talk about ability in tenses where "can" does not exist
- Could you…? Would you mind…?A2Ask for something without sounding like an order
Questions people ask
- What is the can / could used for?
- Ability, and asking for things. "Could" is the politer one. In practice: say what you can do, and ask for things politely.
- How do you form the can / could?
- can / could + plain verb.
- What is the most common mistake with the can / could?
- Saying “Can you to help me?” instead of “Can you help me?”. After a modal the verb stays plain.
Where can / could fits
Where this structure sits in the ladder, and what surrounds it.
can / could is a CEFR A1 structure — the starting band — and it belongs to modals. CoCap’s syllabus files every structure this way so you can learn in order instead of jumping between whatever a search happened to return.
Reading it is not the same as saying it.
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