0
Anonymous Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

Can and Could

Can I use your computer to e-mail my boss?

Or

Could I use your computer to e-mail my boss?

I know the right answer is could, but I don't understand why. The way I think, the word can is ok too. Please explain.

Thanks
  

Top answer

"

— Sam1947

  • "
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

1 Answers
0
You are asking permission, not if you are knowledgable enough or physically able to use the computer, so the preferred form (although quickly disappearing in many circles) would be, "May I use your computer?"

One hears in conversation both "Can I use your computer," and "Do you think I could use your computer." I don't usually hear, "Could I" without something before it." One also hear
0

Related Questions