Lesson 8: Can, could

Can is used to denote mainly (a) ability and (b) permission.

(a)  Ability:

He can speak English well.

I can run faster.

We can play football.

Mary can cook well.

(b) Permission:

You can do it.

You can go now.

Can also means a vessel, e.g., a Pepsi can.

Could is the past form of Can.  Could is mainly used to (a) talk about past ability in general and (b) to make polite requests.

(a)  Talk about past ability:

He tried hard to pass the exam but could not.

She did all that she could to maintain peace and harmony in the society.

(b) Make polite requests:

Could you tell me the time?

Could you come here tomorrow?

Could I have your pen, please?

Could you lend me the book?

Learn the list of the words given below and then read the paragraph following it.

Adage	Proverb, saying
Irrelevant	Unrelated, inappropriate
Out of place	Inappropriate
Apt	Appropriate, suitable
Reliance	Dependence
Detrimental	Harmful, injurious
Complacent	Satisfied, content
Lethargic	Sluggish, lazy
Forge ahead	Make progress
Hark	Listen
Introspection	Self-examination

Yesterday is important, but today is more important:

This adage teaches us not to live in the past, but work in the present and look forward to the future.  Past is not totally irrelevant and out of place; it has its own lessons in that we must not repeat the mistakes of the past if we are to lead a comfortable present.  History repeats itself is an apt reminder in this respect.  But too much reliance on the past memories and faded glory is detrimental to our present; it retards our progress and makes us complacent and lethargic.  For us, today should be more important.  In fact, we should make full use of our present in order to forge ahead to realize our ambitions and goals.  We must exploit all the available opportunities to attain our cherished dreams.  This can happen only if we concentrate on the present, instead of harking back to the past for what might or might not have happened if we had followed a particular course of action.  Introspection may be good at times, but it can be damaging to our present in the long-run.

DID YOU KNOW

Fear of reptiles – ophidiphobia is the fear of reptiles.

The moon is slowly going back from earth, appearing ever smaller.  In a few billion years, total solar eclipse will not be seen anymore!

The animal which is bigger than all others when fully grown is the blue whale.  When baby blue whales are first born, they weigh over 3,000 kg, about the same weight as a fully grown hippopotamus.  Once born, a baby blue whale takes two years to reach a weight of 26,000 kg.  No other living creature grows so quickly.

LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE

Patient:  Before testing my eyes, you say that spectacles are necessary for me.  How is that doctor?

Doctor:  Because you have entered this room through the window, instead of the wide open door there!

Teacher:  Children, tell me who has a better eyesight, a man or a bird?

Pupil:  Sir, a bird.

Teacher:  Why?

Pupil:  Sir, have you ever seen a bird wearing spectacles?

Mother:  How are you getting on at school, John?

John:  Fine.  But I wish we had a smarter teacher.  Today I drew a horse on the board and she did not know what it was.

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