Could versus can.
What are the difference between could and can in these few examples. Thanks in advance. I really have real trouble with the word "can" and "could", although I know could is a past tense and can is a present tense.

"You could also say you really enjoyed the photos".
"You can also say you really enjoyed the photos".

"I can send you the photos on Instagarm".
"I could send you the photos on Instagarm".

"This can be a culture thing too".
"This could be a culture thing too".

Question

Could versus can.
What are the difference between could and can in these few examples. Thanks in advance. I really have real trouble with the word "can" and "could", although I know could is a past tense and can is a present tense.

"You could also say you really enjoyed the photos". 
"You can also say you really enjoyed the photos".

"I can send you the photos on Instagarm".
"I could send you the photos on Instagarm".

"This can be a culture thing too".
"This could be a culture thing too".

Answer

Thanks for your feedback Paul.

Answer

In the first sentence, there really is no difference in meaning.  However, in the second sentence, when you say I can send you the photos on Instagram, you are giving the person you're talking to an option.  You can send it on Instagram or FB or WhatsApp for example.  When you say you could send the photos on Instagram, it almost sounds like a conditional sentence.  I could send you the photos on Instagram IF you sent me the photos first.  In the third pair, CAN and COULD shows how sure you are.  When you say This can be a culture thing, you are 50% sure that the culture plays a role.  On the other hand, if you say this COULD be a culture thing too, you're only 25 to 5% sure.  Hope this helps!

Answers · 2

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