Can vs. Could 🤔
Unlock the power of potential! Discover when to use Can for ability and facts, and when to switch to Could for politeness, possibilities, and the past. Explore the dashboard below to master the nuance.
🧭 The Context Compass
Context is everything! The meaning of "Can" and "Could" shifts entirely depending on whether you are talking about skills, asking for permission, or guessing the future. Click the tabs below to see how the rules change for each situation.
CAN
COULD
🧪 The Politeness Lab
One of the most important social uses of these modals is "softening" your language. "Can" is direct, while "Could" adds distance and respect. Use the slider to feel the difference in tone.
📊 Certainty Analysis
When predicting the future or explaining situations, these words indicate how "sure" you are. This chart visualizes the probability gap between a factual "Can" and a theoretical "Could".
*Values represent approximate linguistic certainty/directness
The Time Travel Switch ⏳
This is the most common mistake! "Can" is strictly for the present or general ability. When you talk about what you were able to do in the past, you must switch to "Could".
Present Ability
"I can run very fast."
I have this skill right now.
🎓 Quick Check
Test your understanding of the nuances.
"When I was a child, I _____ climb trees easily."