(3)表示许可和请求(could用来表示"请求"时,是委婉的说法,回答时只用can)
-Could I have a look at your new iPhone?
--我可以看一看你的新苹果手机吗?
-Of course,you can.
--当然可以。
(4)用作肯定句中,表示某人/某物一时的特点,可译为"有可能,有时会"。
Even experienced teachers can make mistakes.
即使是有经验的教师也可能出错。
[名师点津]
can和be able to的异同
(1)can表示能力,只用现在时和过去时(could),而be able to有各种时态。
They will be able to tell you the news soon.
他们很快就能告诉你那个消息了。
(2)表示成功地做了某事,只能用was/were able to,而不能用could。
The fire spread through the hotel very quickly,but everyone was able to get out.
大火在整个宾馆内蔓延开来,但每个人都成功逃出来了。
2.may(might)
(1)表示请求、许可。might语气更委婉一些。
You may take my dictionary as long as you don't keep it too long.
只要使用时间不太长,你可以把我的词典拿走。
[名师点津]
如何回答may的问句
may引导的疑问句,肯定回答用"Yes,you may.";
否定回答用"No,you mustn't./No,you can't./No,you had better not."。
-May I watch TV after supper?
--晚饭后我可以看电视吗?