"I can do it" vs "I could do it"

Question

"I can do it" vs "I could do it"

Both "I can do it" and "I could do it" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "I can do it" is used to express present ability or permission, while "I could do it" is used to express past ability or possibility. The choice between them depends on the tense and the context of the situation.

Last Updated: March 11, 2024

Use "I can do it" to express that you have the ability or permission to do something in the present moment.

Examples:

I can do it for you.
Can you help me? - Yes, I can do it.
I can do it if you show me how.
I can do it better than anyone else.
I can do it whenever you need.

Alternatives:

I am able to do it.
I have the ability to do it.
I am capable of doing it.
I possess the skills to do it.
I am allowed to do it.

Use "I could do it" to express that you had the ability to do something in the past or to indicate a possibility in the past.

Examples:

I could do it when I was younger.
I could do it if I tried.
I could do it if I had more time.
I could do it better than anyone else.
I could do it, but I chose not to.

Alternatives:

I was able to do it.
I had the ability to do it.
I had the capability to do it.
It was possible for me to do it.
I might have been able to do it.

Answer 1

I can do it

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to express present ability or permission.

Answer 2

I could do it

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to express past ability or possibility.

"I can do it" vs "I could do it"

I can do it

I could do it

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