Fill in the blanks with can or could.
1. Somebody is waiting at the gate. Who …………………. it be?
In questions, we can use 'can' to express logical possibility.
2. Wars …………………. break out anytime.
We use can to talk about theoretical possibility.
3. She …………………. read when she was three.
Use could to talk about past ability.
4. When I was younger, I ………………….. run for miles on end.
Use could to talk about past ability.
5. Despite trying hard, I ………………….. finish the job on time.
Could not shows past inability.
6. She ………………… speak six languages.
Use can to talk about present ability.
7. You ………………… come whenever you want.
8. …………………. I have another cookie?
Could is more polite here.
9. I was hoping that you ………………….. lend me a few pounds.
10. We …………………. tolerate indiscipline.
11. ………………….. I talk to the manager?
Could is more polite than can.
12. ‘Where is Martha?’ ‘She ………………….. be in the library.’
Can is not used in affirmative sentences to talk about logical possibility.
Answers
1. Somebody is waiting at the gate. Who can it be?
2. Wars can break out anytime.
3. She could read when she was three.
4. When I was younger, I could run for miles on end.
5. Despite trying hard, I could not finish the job on time.
6. She can speak six languages.
7. You can come whenever you want.
8. Can / Could I have another cookie?
9. I was hoping that you could lend me a few pounds.
10. We cannot tolerate indiscipline.
11. Can / Could I talk to the manager?
12. ‘Where is Martha?’ ‘She could be in the library.’
