What’s the Difference Between Can and Could?

Key Difference: Today, we are going to see how to use the words Can and Could in the English language and their differences. If you haven’t known exactly when to use these words, then we will assist you. The words Can and Could are auxiliary verbs that are used with the main verb. Can refer to the ability of someone or something. Whereas, Could refer to the possibility or polite requests. And could is the past form of the word Can. Let’s see the contradictions between these words with proper examples.

Can: She can draw a portrait.
Could: Could you please repeat what you said before?

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Can:

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It refers to the ability of something.

We always use the word “Can”, when we discuss the ability or capability of someone or something. When you are allowed to do something, at that time we said like, you can do it. It shows the trust which someone has in one person. Can is an auxiliary verb. Let’s see an example to make it clear. Lilly says I can play the piano. From this statement, we might understand that Lilly has the ability to play the piano. Here, we will tell you another example for your better understanding. Bob and Joy love to write a poem whenever sitting in the garden. From this statement, we can understand, that the boys’ bob and joy are able to write open.

How Do We Spell the Word Can?

Phonetics pronunciation of the word Can is kan. And this word sounds like the following audio.

Enunciation:

Syllables are phonological building blocks of words. It divides the words into parts that can help you read words more accurately. Let’s see how to split the word affect using syllables. Learning syllables can also help you to spell words correctly. 

• The word “Can” has only one syllable. 
• It cannot be divided.

Using “Can” in sentences:

• They can play the piano.
• Can you give me a pen?
• She can sing before the audience.
• Veronica can dance well.
• I can offer you a great deal.

Could:

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Used to make suggestions or requests.

The word could is an auxiliary verb. It is the past form of the word can. We usually use the word “could” while making suggestions or polite requests. It is the more polite way of asking someone to do a favor for you. Let’s see an example to make it clear. Could you get me some water?. From this question, we might understand that someone asks politely to bring some water for him or her. We come up with another example for your better understanding. I could sing well even when I was a kid. In this statement, we understand that he or she sings well since childhood.

How Do We Spell the Word Could?

Phonetics pronunciation of the word Could is kəd,kʊd. And this word sounds like the following audio.

Enunciation:

Syllabification refers to the process of division of words into smaller parts. It is commonly known as syllables. With its help, you can easily read and spell the word accurately. Here, you will see how to split the word “Could” by syllables. 

• The word “Could” has only one syllable. 
• It cannot be divided.

Using “Could” in sentences:

• I wish I could speak well in Spanish.
• Could I use your pen?
• If I had money, I could buy that for you.
• No one could solve this problem.
• Could you tell me the way to go out from here?

Compare: Can Vs Could

This table will show you the contradiction between the words Can and Could.

Resources and References:

Resources: Cambridge Dictionary (Can, Could), Merriam-Webster (Can, Could), Collins Dictionary (Can, Could), Dictionary.com (Can, Could)
Reference: Dictionary.Cambridge.org^[1], Merriam-Webster.com^[2], CollinsDictionary.com^[3], Dictionary.com^[4].

External Links:

1. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/can
2. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/could
3. https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/can
4. https://www.dictionary.com/browse/could