Can, could

I can swim.

Mary can speak French.

You can sit here.

My mother says I can't go out tonight.

• could: knew how to:

Emily could swim when she was two.

• couldn't: (i) wasn't able to:

could/couldn't (ii) used in the second conditional:

If you gave me the money, could I do the shopping?

• Requests: both can and could are used in requests. Could is a little more

polite:

2. Complete these sentences using can or could. If two answers arc possible, write them both.

1 .Could.. n't you find John yesterday?

2 .Can/Could. I come and see you tomorrow?

3 … you pass me the salt, please?

4 … you play the guitar?

5 Why … 't the children go to the cinema tonight?

6 … you help me with my suitcase, please?

7 … you drive my car if you had to?

8 … you answer the phone for me?

9 Why … 't you come to the disco tomorrow?

10 It was very difficult to hear; I … n't understand what she was saying.

11 … I smoke in here?

12 We had an appointment yesterday afternoon, but he … n't see me.

13 I … do the job for you next year.

14 … you tell me the time, please?

15 I … n't find my front door key last night.