本文章由春喜在線英語于2017.3.2日編輯發布

 

Can和Could 都是情態動詞。一般情況下，Could比Can 更禮貌（或者更正式）一些。下面分別來介紹 Can和Could的一些用法。

CAN

The three main uses of Can are: 1) ability 2) possibility and 3) permission. However there are some other uses of Can as we will see below.

1. To express  ability

Can means to be (physically) able to do something OR to know how to do something.

I can speak two languages.

 

 

2. To express a  possibility (in general)

This refers to a theoretical possibility. 
Note: we don't use can to talk about future possibilities. For this you would use may or might.

 

I know you can win the competition.

 

 

3. To offer to do something for others

Can is used when you offer to help someone or to do something for them.

 

You don't need to walk home. I can take you there if you like.

 

4. To ask for or give permission / To request something

Can is used to ask for / request permission or to give permission. 
Note: Can't is used to refuse permission.

Can means to be (physically) able to do something OR to know how to do something.

 

Mary, you can play outside if you like.

 

 

5. Can't: Something that is forbidden or not allowed

 You can drive as fast as you want on the German motorways.

 

 

 

COULD

Could is similar to Can and often replaces Can in the past tense (though not always)

 

1. To express ability in the past

She could juggle eight balls when she was only 10 years old.

 

2. Polite word used to ask for permission or to request something (in the present)

Could I please use your bathroom?

 

 

3. General permission in the past

He couldn't go to the concert because his mother wouldn't let him.

 

 

4. Couldn't: Sure that something is untrue

Just like can't, you can use couldn't when you are sure that something isn't true or real.

 

He couldn't have painted that. He has no artistic ability at all.

 

 

5.Could: A conditional form of Can

 Would + Can = Could. Note: Would be able to can replace could in the following examples.

 

I could write the letter if you told me what to include.