Level A2

Could: past ability and polite requests

Could is the past of can: My grandpa could run very fast. Could can also be used to ask politely.

My grandpa could run very fast.

Grandpa was young then, and that is the past, so: My grandpa could run very fast.

Forms

• can → could — the past of can
• I / he / they could swim — the same with I, you, he, she, we, they; the action word stays as it is
• He could not swim. · couldn't — not after could

A common mistake

Wrong: Last year I can swim.

Right: Last year I could swim.

Last year is the past, so not can but could: Last year I could swim.

More examples

He could not come to the party.

Could not: he was not able to come.

Could you help me, please?

Could can also be used to ask politely: Could you help me, please?