Fill in the blanks with can or could.
1Somebody is waiting at the gate. Who ............... it be?
Select 2 answers.
Wrong!
Both "can" and "could" are natural when asking about someone's possible identity.
2Wars ............... break out at any time.
Select 2 answers.
Wrong!
Both "can" and "could" can express general possibility here.
3She ............... read when she was three.
Wrong!
Use "could" for a general ability in the past.
4When I was younger, I ............... run for miles on end.
Wrong!
Use "could" for a general ability in the past.
5Despite trying hard, I ............... finish the job on time.
Wrong!
Use "could not" for inability in a past situation.
6She ............... speak six languages.
Wrong!
Use "can" for present ability.
7You ............... come whenever you want.
Wrong!
Use "can" to give permission in the present.
8............... I have another cookie?
Select 2 answers.
Wrong!
Both "Can" and "Could" are natural for this request, with "Could" more polite.
9I was hoping that you ............... lend me a few pounds.
Wrong!
Use "could" after "I was hoping" for a polite request.
10Our school has a strict policy: we ............... tolerate indiscipline.
Wrong!
Use "cannot" to state a present rule or policy; "could not" refers to the past, and "can" contradicts the strict policy.
11............... I talk to the manager?
Select 2 answers.
Wrong!
Both "Can" and "Could" are natural for asking permission, with "Could" more polite.
12"Where is Martha?" "I'm not sure. She ............... be in the library."
Wrong!
Use "could" for a present possibility when you are not sure.
Exercise complete
0 out of 12
correct answers
Answers
- Somebody is waiting at the gate. Who can / could it be?
- Wars can / could break out at any time.
- She could read when she was three.
- When I was younger, I could run for miles on end.
- Despite trying hard, I could not finish the job on time.
- She can speak six languages.
- You can come whenever you want.
- Can / Could I have another cookie?
- I was hoping that you could lend me a few pounds.
- Our school has a strict policy: we cannot tolerate indiscipline.
- Can / Could I talk to the manager?
- “Where is Martha?” “I’m not sure. She could be in the library.”