Can/Could

Question

Like what's the different?thx.Can I go with you?Could i go with you?How could you do that!How can you do that!

Yadoo86 · Accepted Answer

Quite same, However, Could is more polite.

[H] [H] [H]

CalifJim · Answer

The difference between can and could is like the difference between will and would or between is/are and would be.

Can I go with you? = Will you permit me to go with you?
Could I go with you? = Would you permit me to go with you?

In the first case the speaker has nearly the same status as the listener; he is probably on friendly terms with the listener. He believes that the listener is fairly likely to give permission.
In the second case the speaker acts as if he has a lesser status than the listener; he acts deferentially toward the listener. He is not sure the listener will gladly give permission immediately.
___

How can you do that? = How is it possible that you are capable of doing such a (bad) thing? How is it possible that you believe that it is proper to do such a (bad) thing?
How could you do that? = How [was it / would it be] possible that you [were / would be] capable of doing such a (bad) thing? How is it possible that [you believed / would believe] that it [was / would be] proper to do such a (bad) thing?

This turn of phrase is highly idiomatic. As with the previous example, the speaker in the first case is being more direct with the listener.

But it can also be taken more literally:

How can you do that? = By what means [will you be / are you / is a person / is someone] able to do that?
How could you do that? = By what means would [you / a person / someone] be able to do that?

CJ

RUDIN · Answer

sometimes could describes your abilities like I could cross the river, I could work for 10 hours, I could play cricket.
also could is a past of can like something which u didn't performed u say i could not do it.
could is also used for request... like could I accompany you.
Could I spend a time with you?

Now can it expresses about ability but it is formal....
also expresses possibilities

Regards
RUDIN

RUDIN · Answer

u didn't performed sorry for that U didn't perform.......not noticed by me feel sorry

Anonymous · Answer

tnx for that!!!!!!!!!

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