How to Use Can & Could in English

Like A Native Speaker

2 CQ

Learn how to use the words “can,” “can’t,” and “could” like a native English speaker. This ESL lesson teaches the basic rules for written and spoken English.

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5 Comments

Yurika S

Hello. I used to go to VIC and I think I took your lesson once. Now, I'm in Japan and it's hard to study natural English by myself. So this video is very useful and it's great that this video has some practice questions. I'm looking forward to the next lesson!

appreciate appreciated

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Jack Y

I would like to ask that if the first meaning--past of can-- and the third meaning--used to-- of ''could" are the same? Thank for your answer!

appreciate appreciated

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Like A Native Speaker

Hi! Those two are not quite the same. The first meaning is just simple past of can. "I could do it, but I didn't." The ability was there, but I chose not to. The third has a little different feeling as it feels like the ability was there, but now is not. I suppose the third meaning is a little more specific. Hope that helps!

appreciate appreciated

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