Grammar: Modals of Past Ability
A2 Lesson 18: Using 'Could' & 'Couldn't'
Talking About Past Abilities
We use can and can't to talk about what we are able to do now. To talk about abilities in the past, we use could and couldn't. 'Could' is simply the past tense of 'can'.
- When I was a child, I could climb trees.
- My grandfather could speak French when he was young.
- I couldn't swim when I was five years old.
The Grammar Rule 📖
Present vs. Past Ability
| Tense | Modal Verb | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Present Ability (Now) | can / can't | I can drive a car now. |
| Past Ability | could / couldn't | I couldn't drive a car when I was 16. |
Asking Questions
To ask a question about a past ability, the structure is: Could + Subject + Verb?
Sokha: Could you swim in the river when you were a boy?
Vannak: Yes, I could. I was a good swimmer!
Sokha: Could your sister swim?
Vannak: No, she couldn't. She was afraid of the water.
Practice Your Grammar 🎯
Exercise: Choose the Correct Word
Choose the correct modal verb (can, can't, could, couldn't) to complete the sentences.
- When I was a baby, I ___ speak.
→ couldn't - Now, I am an adult and I ___ speak two languages.
→ can - He ___ find his hotel last night because it was very dark.
→ couldn't - My brother is a chef. Last year, he ___ cook very well, but now he is amazing.
→ couldn't - She speaks English perfectly now, but five years ago she ___ understand anything.
→ couldn't
Your Grammar Mission ⭐
Your Past Abilities
Think about what you were like as a child. Write three true sentences about your abilities. Use 'could' for one sentence and 'couldn't' for two sentences.
Example: When I was seven, I could ride a bicycle. I couldn't cook rice. I couldn't speak English.
Key Vocabulary
- Past Ability A skill or ability that you had in the past.
- Present Ability A skill or ability that you have now.