"CAN" or "COULD"?

Can and could are modal verbs that are used in a number of ways./ Модальні дієслова, що використовуються в багатьох випадках.

Using 'can'

A surfer in the sea. (Flickr CC: Michael Dawes)

To say that someone is able to do something:/ хтось вміє щось робити

‘I can surf well.’

To say that something is possible at a certain time: / щось можливо зробити в певний час

‘Once the school term ends, you can go on a holiday.’

To talk about opportunity:/ можливість зробити щось

‘I am free now so we can go to the beach today.’

To give or ask for permission:/ дозволити чи просити дозволу

‘You can watch TV after you have finished your homework.'

Using 'could'

If you’re talking about what was possible in the past, you use ‘could’. / щось, що було можливе в минулому

‘Twenty years ago you could buy a house for a lot less than now.'

We also use 'could' to talk about something that is possible in the future but we're not certain about it. /                           Щось можливе в майбутньому, але ми невпевнені

A bowl of strawberries. (Flickr CC: Michael Stern)

'If we don't hurry, we could be late.'

You use either ‘can’ or ‘could’ to ask permission. ‘Could’ is more polite and formal./ ‘Could’ більш ввічлива форма для прохання

‘Can I please have a bowl of strawberries?’

‘Could I please have a bowl of strawberries?’

However, to give permission you say ‘can’ or 'cannot'.

‘You can go home.’

‘You can’t have a bowl of strawberries.’