Basics: Can and Could - Ability and Permission

The modal verbs can and could are essential for expressing what someone is able to do or allowed to do. We use can for present ability ("I can speak Spanish") and could to describe past ability ("I could run fast when I was younger"). They are also widely used to ask for, give, or deny permission, with could often acting as a more polite alternative to can ("Could I borrow your pen?" vs. "Can I go to the park?").

This challenge tests your understanding of these fundamental verbs in everyday contexts. You will explore scenarios involving past and present ability (such as a superhero's powers or a grandpa's youth), asking for and granting permission (like attending a concert or establishing roommate and house rules), and expressing inability or denial (like a spy who cannot reveal a secret).

You'll work through 12 questions in a variety of engaging formats, including single-choice, multi-choice, drop-down, and drag-and-drop.

Try the quiz to check your knowledge!