Writing with Tenses / Modal Verbs
LESSON 117 OF 261 · 10 MIN READ

Can and could: ability and permission

Can expresses present ability or permission. Could can describe general past ability or a polite request. Use a base verb after either modal.

Understand and use it

Can expresses present ability or permission. Could can describe general past ability or a polite request. Use a base verb after either modal.

Examples and a writing plan

I can swim.
Could you open the window?
When I was six, I could ride a bicycle.

Common mistake to investigate

She can swims.
After can/could use V1; do not add -s.

Use the rule now

Describe three things you can do and politely ask permission for an activity.

Use this rule: write and correct

Try first. Hints become more specific after each attempt. Your attempts and corrections are saved with your existing writing progress.

Enlarged practice scene

From this rule to your writing

TRY IT YOURSELF

A quick check

A wrong answer is a chance to learn. Use the hint and try again.