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Wanyi Ng Posted 13 years ago
Vocabulary

could and can

what's the difference between 'çould 'and 'can'' ? how to use them respectively?
  

Top answer

Could is the 'distanced' form of can . The distancing can be in: Time: I can play the piano. / I could play the piano when I was four.

— Fivejedjon

  • Could is the 'distanced' form of can .
  • The distancing can be in: Time: I can play the piano.
  • / I could play the piano when I was four.
  • Reality: I hope I can go tomorrow.
  • / I wish I could go tomorrow, ..........
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3 Answers
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Could is the 'distanced' form of can. The distancing can be in:

Time: I can play the piano. / I could play the piano when I was four.
Reality: I hope I can go tomorrow. / I wish I could go tomorrow,
.............If I pass my test, I'll buy a car. / If I passed my test, I could buy a car
Directness:
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Thanks for reply.It was so much clearer now.
so,
time: present/past
reality: possible/impossiblr
directness: direct/indirect
isit all?
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Wanyi Ng possible/impossible
reality: possible, able / hypothhetically possible / able
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