antagonysm

"CAN and COULD"

these verbs manners are a confusing that can and skill and ability and could the same thing but in the past, but also what can i use to ask permission but to something more formal... way of horror... that is a confussion!!!.

Can "and" could "be used to express permission, ability or skill.
As a general rule" can "be used in the present and" could "in the past, but there are some nuances:
a) Ability / skill In this "can" and in the past "could" or "was / were able."

With the new motorway you can go from Madrid to Barcelona in less than 4 hours
Ten years ago you could go from Madrid to Barcelona in 6 hours
I can play tennis

I could (was able) to play tennis when I was a child
"Could" is also used with a sense conditional, whereas in the future be used "will be able":

If I had money I could buy a new car
In two years I will be able to speak English fluently

b) Permission In this distinguished:

- Have or ask permission, "can" have a sense informal and "could" formal.

I can use the company's car for my private trips (informal)
I could use the company's car for my private trips (formal)
Can I borrow your car? (informal)
Could I borrow your car? (formal)
- Give permission: use "can"; "could" only be used with a sense conditional.

Tonight you can stay with us
If you do not find any other place, you could stay with
In the past used "could" and in the future "can".

c) Offer It is only used "can". Can I help you