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Anonymous Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

Can and could

Hi,I seem to have a problem using these two words,especially when i am speaking.Usually,when i speak,i tend to be conscious about the words that i use because i keep thinking about whether i have used the right tenses. If i am asking someone for help,let's say a lecturer,should it be,''can you explain it to me better?'' or ''could you explain it to me better?'' I am confused.A help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
  

Top answer

In my English course I've learned that 'can' is the verb in present and 'could' the verb + would, so... you can use it how you prefer. My teacher had said to me that was more common use 'could' to ask favors.

— Demaryi

  • In my English course I've learned that 'can' is the verb in present and 'could' the verb + would, so...
  • you can use it how you prefer.
  • My teacher had said to me that was more common use 'could' to ask favors.
  • But not a rule.
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5 Answers
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In my English course I've learned that 'can' is the verb in present and 'could' the verb + would, so... you can use it how you prefer.

My teacher had said to me that was more common use 'could' to ask favors. But not a rule.
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"more common"

the most common

commonier

LOL

I'm really confused about it
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AnonymousCan you explain it to me better? or Could you explain it to me better?
could is better when making a request, because it's a little more polite, but can is not wrong.

CJ

Don't write i.
Write I.
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demaryi"more common"
This is correct.

CJ
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