? on can/could

Question

I always get these two words mixed up and I need a simple way of remembering which one to use. Is there a rule as to when we could use can/could. Please help me fix this sentence:

Just checking to see if you are open. If so, can/could I pick up my things?

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

here4yooIf so, can/could I pick up my things?

There is no difference in meaning between can and could in this usage, which is to ask a favor.

The difference has to do with perceived social status. If you are speaking to someone who has a higher social status than you or if you want them to know that you consider them to have higher status (even if they don't), as a matter of courtesy, then you use could. When you use could, it puts you below the other person in status, which is appropriate when asking a favor.

With someone who has the same or lower status than you, you can use can, for example, among family members or between friends.

That said, there are many people who, just because of their own personalities, almost always use can, and others who almost always use could. You might say that those who always use can want to assert their equality with everyone else. Those who always use could are perhaps more comfortable being deferential toward everyone else.

CJ

Here4yoo · Answer

Thank you, Cj for the explaination!  That helps a lot!

? on can/could

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