Inability can concern a present situation or a past one.
The idea
Use cannot or can’t with a base verb for present inability; use could not or couldn’t for past inability.
| Time | Negative modal | Base verb |
|---|---|---|
| Present | cannot / can't | reach |
| Past | could not / couldn't | reach |
Examples
- I can't reach the top shelf.
- We can't hear the announcement from here.
- The child can't swim yet.
- Yesterday I couldn't find my glasses.
- They couldn't open the gate last night.
- As a child, she couldn't ride a bicycle.
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Watch out
Do not add to after the modal: say can’t reach, not can’t to reach.
Try it yourself
Choose the correct option: I ___ lift this box now. (can't / couldn't)
Show answer or example answer
can't
can’t fits the present time marked by “now”.
Choose the correct option: Last week we ___ use the bridge. (can't / couldn't)
Show answer or example answer
couldn't
couldn’t fits the closed past time marked by “last week”.
Choose the correct option: At age five he ___ read yet. (can't / couldn't)
Show answer or example answer
couldn't
couldn’t describes the ability he lacked at age five.
Practice round
Answer questions and rebuild English sentences to practise. Your score is shown.
Choose the correct option: I ___ lift this box now. (can't / couldn't)
Choose the correct option: Last week we ___ use the bridge. (can't / couldn't)
Choose the correct option: At age five he ___ read yet. (can't / couldn't)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Describe one thing you cannot do now and one you could not do as a child.