Friday, January 7, 2011

Can v. Could

Subject: Can vs could

I received this question from a former student in a recent email:

How could I explain the difference between the verb "can" and "could"?
Does "could" involve with one's willingness to do something and "can"
is talking about one's ability?


Here's my answer:

I can understand your confusion. There is more than one meaning for "can" and "could."


"Can" generally refers to ability ("to be able to do something")

I can walk a mile in twelve minutes. = ability
I can speak Cantonese. + ability

"Could" = past ability
When I was 16, I could walk a mile in 8 minutes.
At one time I could speak Cantonese, but now I have forgotten how.


Sometimes "can" is used to ask permission, though some strict grammarians say this is wrong.
Can I go to the bathroom? = May I go to the bathroom?
A strict grammarian would say here that "can" is wrong and makes the request about ability instead of permission. HOwever, "can" is NOW widely used in the US to ask permission. I would argue that language is a living thing, and although it may be wrong to some people, most are using it that way.


"Can" and "could" are sometimes used to make a polite request:
Can you help me?
Could you help me?
Would you help me?
The last two are considered more polite than the first by some.




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2 comments:

Susan Feltman said...

I am thoroughly enjoying reading your blog. It is giving me many ideas to add to mine. Can't wait. - Sue Feltman

Elizabeth Crosby said...

This question and answer piece was very useful. I have been asked to explain the differences between these words but could not provide a more concrete explanation such as Prof. Nenchin's. Thanks very much and I will be using this for future reference.