Can or could

Question

Can someone please help to explain the difference between the "CAN" and "COULD" in the sentences below? I often hear the ones with the verb "COULD" in conversations, but I don't know when I should use "COULD".
It COULD be true.
It CAN be true.
I COULD be wrong.
I CAN be wrong.
Thanks, Kejun

Usenet · Accepted Answer

[nq:1]Can someone please help to explain the difference between the "CAN" and "COULD" in the sentences below? I often hear ... I should use "COULD". It COULD be true. It CAN be true. I COULD be wrong. I CAN be wrong.[/nq]
Can is simple capacity; could is capacity and hypothesis. You use can when you are sure that something is possible; you use could when you're not sure, or often when the possibility is dependent upon some sort of condition.
Could is actually the past tense of can:
"Today I can run a mile in five minutes."
"When I was young I could run a mile in five minutes."

When you use the simple past or past subjunctive to establish a hypothesis, you use the past tense of can to indicate the possible consequence:
"If I were stronger, I could win the Tour de France." "If I be/am stronger, I can win the Tour de France."

(Note that many speakers use the indicative rather than the subjunctive today, especially in the present tense.)

Transpose hotmail and mxsmanic in my e-mail address to reach me directly.

Can or could

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