Could / Couldn't (A1 Grammar)

Could is the past of can. Use for past ability.

Quick tip: could + base verb (no to, no -s)

COULD = was able to

Use could for ability in the past.

• I could swim when I was 5.
• She could speak English.
• He could run very fast.

COULDN'T = wasn't able to

Use couldn't for inability in the past.

• I couldn't swim when I was 3.
• She couldn't find her keys.
• They couldn't come.

Questions

Put Could before the subject.

• Could you swim at age 5?
• Could she speak French?
• What could you do?

Common mistakes

• Not "I could to swim." — say "I could swim.". No 'to' after could.
• Not "She could speaks English." — say "She could speak English.". Base verb, no -s.
• Not "He couldn't found it." — say "He couldn't find it.". Base verb after couldn't.

Practise it

What could you do when you were young?