What is the Difference between Can and Could
English grammar is an important aspect of the English language. The use of correct grammar, vocabulary and punctuation can make or break a sentence. In this article, we shall explore the difference between ‘can’ and ‘could’, their meanings, usage and other important factors.
Table of Content:
- Table summarising the difference between can and could
- The meanings of could and can
- Examples for can and could
- Could vs. can – conclusion
Grammar is important because it helps the reader understand the meaning of what you are trying to say. Correct grammar also helps with clarity. Regardless, English is easy to understand and learn with sufficient practice.
Table Summarising the Difference between Can and Could:
| Can | Could | |
| Meaning | Both ‘can’ and ‘ could’ are modal verbs that refer to ‘a possibility’, ‘ability’ or ‘capacity’. | |
| Primary difference | ‘Can’ refers to a general truth or something that has a strong sense of possibility. | ‘Could’ refers to something that has a weak possibility, or something that might happen, but is not necessarily a general truth. |
| Example | A scorpion’s sting can cause intense pain and other unpleasant side effects. | I could hear her, but she could not hear me. |
Meanings of Can and Could
As discussed above, ‘can’ and ‘could’ seem like they have similar meanings, but there are enough differences which distinguish these from each other.
To recap:
- Can is used to describe an ability or permission. It can also refer to a general truth or something that has a strong sense of possibility.
- Could is used to describe a (weak) possibility.
Examples for Could and Can:
We shall explore some examples for ‘can’ and ‘could’ so that their differences are more apparent:
- Can – In India, driving without a driver’s license can land you a hefty fine.
- Could – Cars that are maintained and serviced regularly could last several decades.
Can vs. Could – Conclusion
Grammar is important for many reasons. It provides people with a shared understanding of rules that govern language. This helps people understand how to speak and write in the English language correctly. Additionally, it is necessary for people to maintain some consistency when writing or speaking English. Grammar also aids in organising thoughts within one’s mind, which can increase the quality of their thinking. Explore more Difference Between Articles or discover other important concepts of grammar, only on the BYJU’S website.
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