Teoria: intermedio: modal can-could MODULO 3

Business English

Modal Verbs

What will we cover?

In business, effective communication is key. Modal verbs help you express ability, permission, possibility, and more. Learn to use them like a pro!

Click on the highlighted areas throughout the lesson to access further information, exercises, and examples.

Can

When do we use it?

Expressing Ability Requesting Permission Expressing Possibility Expressing Hypothetical Situations

Glossary

Practice Using Can

This is a reference to the words used in these questions. Click on a term for more information.

Answer these questions in full sentences.

awareness complaint equipment handle increase make sure

Could

When do we use it?

In general, "could" is used to express a level of uncertainty or possibility, while "can" is used to express certainty or ability. We also use it to speak about the past.

Expressing Ability Requesting Permission Expressing Possibility Expressing Hypothetical Situations

Glossary

Practice Using Could

This is a reference to the words used in these questions. Click on a term for more information.

Answer these questions in full sentences.

affect factor productivity resource satisfaction workplace

Can vs Could

What's the difference?

Can and Could are both modal verbs that are used to talk about ability. However, there are some important differences between the two.

Can is mainly used to talk about present ability. This means that it is used to talk about things that someone can do now. For example, you could say:

"I can speak English." "Our company can provide marketing services to your business."

Can and Could are both modal verbs that are used to talk about ability. However, there are some important differences between the two.

Could is used to talk about past ability, future ability, hypothetical situations, and polite requests.

Could

Past ability: We use could to talk about things that someone could do in the past, but not now. For example, you could say:

"She could speak French when she was younger." "Our company could provide more services, but we don't have the resources."

Can vs Could

Cheat Sheet to Using the Two Modal Verbs

Could: past ability, requests

Our software could make things easier for you. I could help you get more customers. We could give you information about what people are buying.

Might: possibility, uncertainty

We might make social media posts that people like. I might bargain for the best prices for our clients. I might negotiate prices and contracts to secure the best deals for our partners. Our software might make things easier and faster.

Shall: suggestions, offers

We shall make social media posts that people like. I shall bargain for the best prices for our clients. I shall negotiate prices and contracts to secure the best deals for our partners. Our software shall make things easier and faster.

Should: advice, obligation

We should make social media posts that people like. I should bargain for the best prices for our clients. I should negotiate prices and contracts to secure the best deals for our partners. Our software should make things easier and faster.

Will: future predictions, promises

We will make social media posts that people like. I will bargain for the best prices for our clients. I will negotiate prices and contracts to secure the best deals for our partners. Our software will make things easier and faster.

Would: polite requests, hypothetical situations

We would make social media posts that people like. I would bargain for the best prices for our clients. I would negotiate prices and contracts to secure the best deals for our partners. Our software would make things easier and faster.

Must: necessity, strong obligation

We must make social media posts that people like. I must bargain for the best prices for our clients. I must negotiate prices and contracts to secure the best deals for our partners. Our software must make things easier and faster.

Don’t forget keep trying!

Expressing Ability

"Could" is used to express ability, indicating that someone has the skills or knowledge to do something.

• I could speak a little English before I started taking classes.

• The new software could automate many of our tasks, saving us time and money.

Expressing Possibility

Even though we usually use "could" for possibility, "can" can also be used this way. It suggests that something is possible but not certain. For example:

• "The meeting can start early if everyone is here." (Possibility of the meeting starting early)

• "I can finish my report by Friday." (Possibility of finishing the report by Friday)

Affect Part of Speech: Verb Definition: To have an influence on something. Sample Sentence: The company's new marketing campaign affected sales positively. Discussion Question: How can employee motivation affect workplace productivity?

Increase Part of Speech: Verb Definition: To make something bigger or more numerous. Example Sentence: "The company is striving to increase its market share and profitability." Discussion Question: What things in your area have been increasing in price?

Highlighted Areas

Clicking or hovering over these elements will trigger additional info, exercises, and practice.

Make Sure Part of Speech: Verb Definition: To ensure or verify that something is done correctly or that something exists. Example Sentence: "The quality assurance team makes sure that all products meet the company's standards." Discussion Question: What are some things you always make sure to do before leaving your house in the morning?

Workplace Part of Speech: Noun Definition: The physical or virtual setting where people go to work. Sample Sentence: The workplace should be a safe and comfortable environment for employees. Discussion Question: How does the physical layout and atmosphere of a workplace influence employee morale and productivity?

Factor Part of Speech: Noun Definition: A circumstance or event that influences or helps to cause something else. Sample Sentence: Several factors affect the quality of a product. Discussion Question: What are the key factors that can contribute to employee satisfaction and motivation in the workplace?

Requesting Permission

"Can" is also used for asking permission to do something in an informal voice. For example:

• "Can I use your phone?" (Asking for permission to use someone's phone)

• "Can we discuss the project tomorrow?" (Asking for permission to talk about the project)

Expressing Hypothetical Situations

"Can" can also be used to talk about situations that are not real or happening now. It helps us imagine different possibilities. For example:

• "If I could speak French, I would travel to France." (Imagining the possibility of speaking French)

• "What can we do if the project deadline is extended?" (Imagining different possibilities for the project)

Productivity Part of Speech: Noun Simple Definition: The ability to produce goods or services efficiently. Simple Sample Sentence: The company's productivity has increased significantly over the past year. Discussion Question: What strategies can be implemented to boost employee productivity and achieve business goals effectively?

Requesting Permission

"Could" is used to ask for permission to do something. It is a more polite way to ask for permission than "can," which can sometimes sound abrupt.

• Could I borrow your pen?

• Could I have a few minutes of your time to discuss this project?

Complaint Part of Speech: Noun Definition: A statement of dissatisfaction or annoyance. Example Sentence: "The customer filed a complaint about the faulty product." Discussion Question: How can you handle customer complaints effectively to maintain customer satisfaction and company reputation?

Expressing Ability

"Can" is the go-to verb for expressing present ability. It conveys that someone has the skill or competence to perform a specific action. For instance:

• "Can you speak English?" (Asking if someone can speak English now)

• "She can use a computer well." (Talking about her ability to use a computer)

Resource Part of Speech: Noun Definition: Anything that can be used to help or do something. Sample Sentence: The company has many resources available to help its employees succeed. Discussion Question: What are some essential resources for a business to operate smoothly?

Satisfaction Part of Speech: Noun Definition: The state of being content or pleased. Sample Sentence: The customer was satisfied with the product they purchased. Discussion Question: How can a company maintain and enhance customer satisfaction through excellent service and product quality?

Highlighted Areas

Highlighted areas will trigger more information, exercises, and practice.

HandlePart of Speech: Verb Definition: To deal with or manage something. Example Sentence: "The manager effectively handles customer inquiries and resolves issues promptly." Discussion Question: Have you ever had to handle a situation where your computer or phone stopped working? What did you do to resolve the problem?

bargain (trattare)

verb

To negotiate with someone in order to get a lower price for something. Example sentences: The customer bargained with the shopkeeper for a better price on the vase. We always try to bargain when we go shopping in a foreign country.

Expressing Hypothetical Situations

"Could" can be used to talk about situations that are not real, but that we can imagine or wish for. It's like saying, "It would be possible if...," or "Imagine if...," or "What if...?"

• "The company could expand into new markets if it could find the right partners."

• If we could improve our marketing strategies, we could find more customers."

Expressing Possibility

"Could" is used to express a possibility, indicating that something might happen or be true. It is often used to talk about hypothetical situations.

• The meeting could start early if everyone arrives on time.

• The company could expand into new markets if it can find the right partners.

EquipmentPart of Speech: Noun Definition: The things that are needed to do a job or activity. Example Sentence: "The office equipment is essential for our daily operations." Discussion Question: What equipment do you need to complete your daily tasks in a productive and efficient manner?

Awareness Part of Speech: Noun Definition: The state of knowing or being aware of something. Example Sentence: "The company aims to increase awareness of its social responsibility initiatives." Discussion Question: How do companies create brand awareness?