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possibility? Most of the time it is clear from the context, but use of can can also
express possibility (rather than ability). For example, giving advice answering the
question: How can/could I improve my English? You can/could listen to the radio,
watch TV and read the newspaper. Both are possible. Students want to know when
to use 'could' and when to use 'can'.
Caroline Talbot
Taking your examples first, I think the short answer is that: You could listen to the
radio emphasizes that this is a suggestion or piece of advice, whereas You can listen to the
radio emphasizes simply that this is an option that's available.
You could listen to the radio contains more personal involvement and subjectivity; You can
listen to the radiois more strictly factual and objective.
Similarly, How could I improve my English? is more a request for advice, whereas How can I
improve my English?is more a factual question about available options. (But of course we can
also answer this question by giving advice.)
Can and could, like the other modal verbs, have developed quite a range of meanings and uses.
You ask how to explain the difference, and explanation can certainly help, but learning all the ins
and outs of these verbs is a long process which requires plenty of experience, observation and
experiment.
I think your question touches on two main issues: possibility vs. ability, and can vs. could.