Page 88 - Oxford_Grammar_for_Schools_4_SB_Neat 1

* 7 Is could correct in these sentences? Write ÿ or was/were able to.
ÿ I lost my wallet in the cinema . But after half an 4 At first they said no, but in the end I could
hour I could find it. was Met o persuade them. _
ÿ He could play the piano very well when he was 5 There was a problem with the computer, so I
'
younger. ÿ_ couldn t send the email. _
6 Picasso was a great artist. He could paint
1 The car broke down but Carla's dad could repair it.
anything. _
7 I missed the bus, but I could get to work on time
2 Ted forgot his pen but he could borrow one from
because I took a taxi. _
Robert. _
8 It started raining but they could get to the top of
3 We liked the hotel because all the staff could
mountain. _
speak English. _

Permission and requests

We use can l/we ...? or could l/we ...?to ask for You can,t ride your bike on the pavement.
permission. Could is more polite, so we use it when Could I leave the lesson early?
talking to adults or strangers. No, you couldn't, No, you can,t.
Can we watch that film tonight?
We use can you ... ?/could you ... ?/to ask someone to
Could I finish my homework tomorrow?
do something. Could is more polite and formal.
We use you can/can't to give or refuse permission. Can you wait for me?
We don't use could/couldn't. Could you open the window, please?
You can borrow my phone.

8 O 15.3 Look at the pictures and write requests.
Remember to use can for informal requests and ÿ could ujot/c ohe&te homework, -please?
could for formal or more polite requests. Listen
and check. 9

carry/bags check/homework do/washing-up
open/door post/letters tidy/room

86 Con, could, be oble to