Can vs Could worksheet

Level A2–B1
3 pages, A4
Answer key included

The rule as a picture, 5 multiple-choice questions, 3 sentences to correct and a short writing task. Free to print and copy for your class or for self-study.

Download PDF

Want the explanation first? Read the Can vs Could lesson

Worksheet · Level A2–B1

Can vs Could

NameDate

Can is for ability now and casual requests: I can swim. Can you help me? Could is for general ability in the past, polite requests and possibility: I could swim at five. Could you help me? It could rain.

Can · now, casual

I can speak Spanish.

NOW

now

PAST

FUTURE

Could · past, polite

I could speak Spanish as a child.

NOW

back then

PAST

FUTURE

1. Choose the right answer

Circle a or b.

1.
My grandfather fix anything when he was young.a) canb) could
2.
you speak more slowly, please? (to a stranger)a) Couldb) Must
3.
I hear you now. The line is better.a) couldb) can
4.
Take an umbrella. It rain later.a) couldb) can
5.
Despite the traffic, we arrive on time.a) couldb) were able to

2. Correct the mistake

Each sentence has one mistake. Write the correct sentence.

1.
When I was young, I can run fast.
2.
Could you to help me?
3.
I could pass the exam yesterday.

3. Your turn

Write two sentences about your own life: one with Can and one with Could. Then explain the difference to a partner.

Answer key

Can vs Could

1. Choose the right answer

1.b) could General ability in the past: could.
2.a) Could A polite request: could.
3.b) can Ability now: can.
4.a) could A possibility in one situation: could.
5.b) were able to One particular success: were able to.

2. Correct the mistake

1.When I was young, I could run fast. General ability in the past: could.
2.Could you help me? No to after could.
3.I was able to pass the exam yesterday. One particular success in the past: was able to.

3. Your turn

Answers will vary. Check that each sentence follows the rule on page 1, or paste them into Clarigram to have them checked.

Can vs Could worksheet

Level A2–B1
3 pages, A4
Answer key included

The rule as a picture, 5 multiple-choice questions, 3 sentences to correct and a short writing task. Free to print and copy for your class or for self-study.

Download PDF

Want the explanation first? Read the Can vs Could lesson

Worksheet · Level A2–B1

Can vs Could

NameDate

Can · now, casual

I can speak Spanish.

NOW

now

PAST

FUTURE

Could · past, polite

I could speak Spanish as a child.

NOW

back then

PAST

FUTURE

1. Choose the right answer

Circle a or b.

1.
My grandfather fix anything when he was young.a) canb) could
2.
you speak more slowly, please? (to a stranger)a) Couldb) Must
3.
I hear you now. The line is better.a) couldb) can
4.
Take an umbrella. It rain later.a) couldb) can
5.
Despite the traffic, we arrive on time.a) couldb) were able to

2. Correct the mistake

Each sentence has one mistake. Write the correct sentence.

1.
When I was young, I can run fast.
2.
Could you to help me?
3.
I could pass the exam yesterday.

3. Your turn

Write two sentences about your own life: one with Can and one with Could. Then explain the difference to a partner.

Answer key

Can vs Could

1. Choose the right answer

1.b) could General ability in the past: could.
2.a) Could A polite request: could.
3.b) can Ability now: can.
4.a) could A possibility in one situation: could.
5.b) were able to One particular success: were able to.

2. Correct the mistake

1.When I was young, I could run fast. General ability in the past: could.
2.Could you help me? No to after could.
3.I was able to pass the exam yesterday. One particular success in the past: was able to.

3. Your turn

Answers will vary. Check that each sentence follows the rule on page 1, or paste them into Clarigram to have them checked.