Modals can/could

Ability, permission and polite requests.

S + can/could + V1 (bare infinitive)

can expresses ability, permission, or a request in the present; could is the same in the past, and also a more polite request or a present possibility. A modal is always followed by the bare infinitive (no to).

Examples

  • She can drive a forklift.
  • Could you send the rate confirmation?
  • We could not clear customs before the deadline.

  • She can to drive.

    She can drive.

    After can/could the verb has no to: can drive, not can to drive.

Common mistakes

  • Adding to after a modal: can to drive → can drive.
  • Adding -s to the verb after can/could in third person: she can drives → she can drive.
Practice