Usage and alternative verbs.

 

The modal can / could is used to:

 

A

• say that it is possible to do something.

 

Yes, I’m free tomorrow, so I can come to your house.

It’s warm and sunny. We can eat outside in the garden.

 

• make a request.

Can I / Can we / Can you…? informal

Could I / Could we / Could you…? more formal

 

Can you bring me your diary, please?

Could we have two coffees, please?

‘Could you please call for a taxi?’ ‘Certainly, sir.’

Can I have a sandwich, Mum?

 

C

• offer help.

 

‘Can I help you?’ ‘Yes, please. I’d like…’

‘Can I do something for you?’ ‘No, thanks, I’m all right.’

 

D

• ask permission and allow / not allow.

 

‘Can I invite some friends home, Mum?’ ‘Yes, of course you can. / Sorry, you can’t. Not today.’

 

E

• express ability, skill.

 

I can speak two languages – English and Spanish.

I couldn’t use this software, but I’ve learnt now.

 

F

• express disbelief, say that something is impossible based on the evidence.

 

I can’t believe that!

She couldn’t be 40. She looked much younger.

 

G

Verbs that can substitute can not only in the missing tenses (infinitive, participles, etc.) but also in the present simple and past simple are:

• be able to / be unable to

 

I’m sorry not to be able to come.

Will you be able to get there by nine?

 

• manage to

 

‘Have you managed to talk to Mr Ross?’ ‘No, I haven’t managed to talk to him yet. He’s always so busy.’

 

• be allowed to / be permitted to

 

You won’t be permitted to come back so late.

She wasn’t allowed to bring her dog.