Can, could or may ? - English Grammar Today - a reference to written and spoken English grammar and usage - Cambridge Dictionary Learn about the modal verbs can and could and do the exercises to practise using them. Modal “CAN” – With Explanations Exercises and Activities “ Can ” is a modal auxiliary verb and it is used to indicate abilities, to make requests, to indicate probability, or to give permissions. It is one of the auxiliary verbs called “ modal verbs ” in English. It does not change according to the subjects. Learn the difference between can vs could with meanings and examples to improve your English grammar and speaking skills. Learn the difference between can vs. could and how to use each of them in a sentence, with examples of each word used correctly. Yes, you 'can' go to the bathroom. The “joke” here is based on the insistence that you should use may when asking for permission to do something, and can when speaking about ability. By this logic, the student should have said “ May I go to the bathroom?” since their ability to use the facilities is likely not in question. What's the Difference? Can you and could you are both polite ways to ask someone to do something. However, can you is more direct and straightforward, while could you is slightly more formal and polite. Can you implies that the person is capable of doing the task, while could you suggests a willingness or possibility of doing it. Learn can or could grammar rules with simple examples, usage tips, comparison table, FAQs, and clear explanations for everyday English writing and speaking. CAN/COULD are modal auxiliary verbs. We use CAN to: a) talk about possibility and ability b) make requests c) ask for or give permission. We use COULD to: a) talk about past possibility or ability b) make requests. We include BE ABLE TO here for convenience, but it is not an auxiliary verb. Check your system requirements. Can I Run it? Test your specs and rate your gamimg PC. What’s the difference? Do you use “can” and “could” correctly in English? Join me and learn how to use these two important modal verbs, in terms of grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.