These are useful words to use in performance reviews or interim appraisals.

We use these words to talk about ability:

• What someone can or can't do now, in the present.

• What someone was or wasn't able to do in the past.

• What they might be able to do in the future.

Can or can't (cannot) - present

Used to talk about ability right now.

• Alice can motivate her team, even when times are difficult.

• Ben can't find his locker key, he's looked everywhere.

• I can finish this report by the end of the day, no problem.

• They can't work together because they always argue.

Could or couldn't - past

Used to talk about abilities in the past.

• Alice could motive her team, even when times were difficult. She was a great boss!

• Ben couldn't find his locker key this morning, so I said he could share mine for the day.

• I told my boss this morning that I could easily finish the report by the end of the day, but now I'm not so sure that I can.

• They couldn't work together so they were both moved to different teams.

• I couldn't remember everyone's names to start with, but now I've been here for a few weeks I can!

Could and would - future potential

Used to talk about what someone might be able to do in the future.

Both words are good to use, but would has a much stronger meaning than could and suggests that something is more likely to happen.

Used in this way could can be followed by most verbs.

• He could become a professional footballer.

• She could lead a research team in a couple of years.

• They could write some great songs, if they worked together.

• I could cook lasagne for dinner if you like?

Would can only be followed by 'do', 'make', or 'be' when talking about future ability.

• He would make a great professional footballer if he keeps up this practice.

• She would do well as a research team leader in a couple of years.

• They would make a great singer / song writer combination, if they worked together.

• I would be able to cook lasagne if you like. I have all the ingredients.

Try using these words during your next performance review or interim appraisal.

If you have any questions...Talk to me about Business English coaching.

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