English Grammar : Use of Modals

Learn Grammar | English Grammar : Use of Modals " Could" | Modal auxiliary could used for :

1. Demonstrated ability in the past (past).

• He could swim very fast when he was a child
• She could sing beautifully ten years ago.

2. Demonstrated ability to be conditional (present).
If he were a teacher, he could teach you now. (Now he is not a teacher)

3. Requests that are smooth

• Could you tell me the reason, please ?
• Could you lend me your dictionary, please ? 

 http://learngrammar.blogspot.com/