GRAMMAR 1
(grámar uán)

We use the modal auxiliaries “can” and “could” to talk about abilities a person has or had. “Can” is used for present tense and “could” for past tense. Both of them work with the infinitive form of the verb.

Interrogative form

a) I	can Modal Aux. aff.	handle Verb	a complaint in a public meeting. (Present tense)
b) I	could Modal Aux. aff.	handle Verb	a complaint in a public meeting in 2005. (Past tense)

Negative form

a) He	cannot Modal Aux. neg.	interfere Verb	with my decision. (Present tense)
b) He	could not Modal Aux. neg.	interfere Verb	with my decision last week. (Past tense)

Interrogative form

a. Can you handle a complaint in a public meeting?

Yes, I can.

No, I can’t.

b. Can he interfere with your decision?

Yes, he can.

No, he can’t.

c. Could you handle a complaint in a public meeting in 2005?

Yes, I could.

No, I couldn’t.

d. Could he interfere with your decision last week?

Yes, he could.

No, he couldn’t.

Note: cannot = can’t
could not = couldn’t