When she was a child, Lan ____ sing English songs.
- A. could(correct answer)
- B. can
- C. could to
- D. was could
Why: When she was a child is the past, so can becomes could. No to after it.
A212 questions · Elementary · Modal Verbs and Related Expressions
Could and Couldn't Exercises with Answers
Can becomes could when you talk about the past. Test yourself on could and couldn't: the verb after them, questions and short answers without did, and a polite Could you…? that is really about now.
12 questions
Sample questions with answers
We ____ get tickets because the concert was full.
- A. couldn't(correct answer)
- B. can't
- C. didn't could
- D. couldn't to
Why: The concert was full: this is the past. Couldn't, with no did and no to.
Could your sister cook when she was twelve? — Yes, she ____.
- A. could(correct answer)
- B. did
- C. can
- D. was
Why: The question starts with Could, so the answer is Yes, she could.
Lessons on this topic
- Could and Couldn't
How to use could and couldn't for what people were or weren't able to do in the past: the forms, questions, short answers, and polite Could you…?
- Be Able To
When to use be able to instead of can: after will and must, in the present perfect, after to, and for one success in the past. Could or was able to?
