✨ Lesson 3: Modal "could/couldn't" (Past Ability)
In our last lessons, we learned to use 'can' and 'can't' to talk about ability in the present. To talk about past ability1, we use a different modal verb: could.
'Could' is the past tense of 'can'. We use it to talk about skills or abilities we had in the past.
Structure with 'could' and 'couldn't'
The structure is the same as with 'can'. It is always followed by the base form of the verb.
- Affirmative: Subject + could + [Base Verb]
- Negative: Subject + couldn't + [Base Verb] (couldn't = could not)
Examples of Past Ability:
- When I was a child, I could climb trees easily.
- My grandfather could speak French fluently.
- I couldn't swim when I was five years old.
- Before I had a smartphone, I couldn't check my email easily.
Asking Questions with 'Could'
To ask about a past ability, we invert 'could' and the subject.
A: Could you ride a bicycle when you were young?
B: Yes, I could.
A: Could he find the temple easily?
B: No, he couldn't. He got lost.
Summary: 'can' vs. 'could' for Ability
| Tense | Modal Verb | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Present Ability (now) | can / can't | I can drive a moto now. |
| Past Ability | could / couldn't | I couldn't drive a moto when I was 15. |
🧠 Practice Quiz: Choose the Correct Modal
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 - Excuse me, ________ you help me, please?
→ can
📝 Homework: Your Past Abilities
Write three true sentences about yourself when you were a child. Use 'could' in one sentence and 'couldn't' in two sentences.
Example: When I was seven, I could ride a bicycle. I couldn't cook rice. I couldn't speak English.
1: ___________________________________
2: ___________________________________
3: ___________________________________
Vocabulary Glossary
- Past Ability: (Phrase) - សមត្ថភាពក្នុងអតីតកាល (sa'mat'thâ'phĭəp knong a'təy'tâ'kal) - A skill or ability that you had in the past. ↩