This document discusses the forms and uses of the modal verbs can and could. It explains that can is used to express ability in the present, possibility in the present, and to ask for favors or permission. Could is used to express ability and possibility in the past and to politely ask for something in the present. Both can and could are followed by an infinitive verb and can form negative constructions using not. Questions are formed using subject-verb inversion.

1. FORM
USES
CAN- COULD
Esther Martínez

2. He can play the drums.
Can I go to the concert?
Holy couldn´t swim when she was six.
DO YOU REMEMBER THE FORM / USE
OF MODAL VERBS?
CAN- COULD

3. - Modal verbs are followed by a bare INFINITIVE.
I can play the piano.
- We use “NOT” to make them negative.
She couldn´t (could not) run fast two years ago.
- We use subject-verb inversion in the interrogative.
Could you pass me the salt, please?
CAN- COULD

4. We use “CAN” to express ability.
I can play chess.
CAN

5. We also use “CAN” to express possibility.
We can have lunch outside.
CAN

6. We also use “CAN” to ask for favour or permission.
Can you get me the menu, please?
Can I sleep over at Tom´s?
CAN

7. “COULD” is used to express ability in the past.
I could swim like a pro when I was five.
COULD

8. We also use “COULD” to
express possibility in the
past.
She could be tired.
COULD

9. We also use “COULD” to ask for something in the
present in a polite way.
Could you hold those books for me, please?.
COULD