Can and could

Complete the following sentences using can or could.

1. When we were kids, we ……………….. watch TV whenever we wanted to.

a) can
b) could
c) Either could be used here

2. She said I ……………….. come as often as I liked.

a) can
b) could
c) Either could be used here

3. …………………. I ask you something?

a) Can
b) Could
c) Either could be used here

4. Peter …………………… attend the conference yesterday because he was ill.

a) could not
b) cannot

5. ………………….. you lend me a few pounds until tomorrow?

a) Can
b) Could
c) Either could be used here

6. You ……………….. have told me you were not coming.

a) could
b) can

7. I …………………. smell something burning.

a) can
b) could

8. Suddenly she realized she …………………. smell something burning.

a) can
b) could

9. I …………………. figure out what she wanted.

a) could not
b) cannot
c) Either could be used here

10. I ………………….. understand what she is talking about.

a) can’t
b) couldn’t
c) Either could be used here

Answers

1. When we were kids, we could watch TV whenever we wanted to.

2. She said I could come as often as I liked.

3. Can / Could I ask you something?

4. Peter could not attend the conference yesterday because he was ill.

5. Can / Could you lend me a few pounds until tomorrow?

6. You could have told me you were not coming.

7. I can smell something burning.

8. Suddenly she realized she could smell something burning.

9. I could not figure out what she wanted.

10. I can’t understand what she is talking about.