Difference Between Can And Could Usage. Sep 29 2011 Would and could are two English language words which are the past tense of the words will and can Would and could are used for representing the past tense as well as in the present tense to express a request. It is definitely a subtle difference but basically when you discuss possibility you generally are aware of their ability to do it but are tentative about their willingness or availability to perform the action.
It is used to talk about our ability to do things. I could swim but I couldnt ride a bike when I was nine years old. Apr 24 2011 Can vs Could Can is used to state a fact ability potential and possibility.
Could is the past tense of can a verb used to denote ability.
The uses of the terms are often confused in grammar. Rules of use Could as a past tense of Can. In most cases it can be replaced with a form of be able to. I could swim but I couldnt ride a bike when I was nine years old.
