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The modal auxiliary could is used
in several very different
ways. One happens when
sentences with can are used in
indirect
(reported) speech and the main verb is past. Another
use
for could is in making polite requests (in present or
future time). A third
way to use could is in showing ability
(but not
permission) in the past.
Examples:
Sue was able to drive a car
when she was 10 years old. ----->
Sue could drive a car when she was 10 years old.
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Bobby knew
how to read before he entered school. ----->
Bobby
could read before he entered school.
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Ahmed had the ability to understand
conversational English
after he'd been in the
U.S. about three months. ----->
Ahmed could understand conversational English after he'd
been in the U.S. about three months.
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Special
Notes:
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In the sentences above, the time
for could is past. |
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| 2. |
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Could shows ability
in the past, but it
does not
show permission in
the past. The meanings of the
sentences below
cannot be expressed with could.
Yes, Nadia had permission
to miss class yesterday
because it was a holy
day in her religion.
No, Billy didn't have permission
to stay up late
last night. He had school the
next day.
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| 3. |
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The negative of could is couldn't:
Joe couldn't
drive a car until he was 25 years old.
Bobby couldn't read until he entered school.
Ahmed couldn't understand conversational English
even
though he'd been in the U.S. about three months.
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