Difference between ‘ Can ‘ and ‘ Could ‘ –
1 . We use ‘ can ‘ to express ability in Present or Future Tenses. But We can use ‘ could ‘ as the Past form of ‘ can ‘ to express ability in Past Tense .
Examples –
I can do the job now .( Present Time )
I can do the job tomorrow. ( Future Time )
I could run very fast in my childhood. ( Past Time )
2 . ‘ Can ‘ is used to indicate higher or definite possibility but ‘ could ‘ is used to indicate lower possibility.
Examples– He can get success.
He could have done better to get success.
3 . ‘ Can ‘ is used to express informal requests and ‘ could ‘ is used to express formal requests .
Examples –
Can you give me a pen , please ?
Could you give me a pen, please ?
4 . ‘ Can ‘ and ‘ Could ‘ both are used to ask permission but ‘can‘ is used in an informal way and ‘ could ‘ is used in a more polite way .
Examples –
Can I join the meeting?
Could I join the meeting?
5 . ‘ Can ‘ is used to give permission but ‘could ‘ is not used to give permission.
Example – Yes, you can join the meeting.
