“Can” is used to express ability, possibility and permission.
Ability
Examples: Scientists can now decode DNA.
Possibility – general, theoretical possibility
Examples: Health care can be influenced by government policies.
Permission
Example: Can I open a window?
“Could” is the past of can and expresses past ability
Example: The rats could choose different paths in the maze.
Problems
“Could” also expresses possibility
When used with the present ‘could’ takes the meaning of ‘might’ and shows specific possibilities.
Example: The cells are not dividing; they could be in lag phase.
Using ‘could’ introduces doubt and can suggest that the author lacks confidence in the results or conclusion.
In general, ‘could’ implies more distance or less likelihood than ‘can’. Often both can and could are acceptable in a sentence, but alter its meaning.
所以:
I like Sushi. I can eat Sushi every day.
我鍾意壽司。我每日食壽司都冇問題。(絕對可以)
I like Sushi. I could eat Sushi every day.
我鍾意壽司。要我每日食壽司應不成問題。(應該可以)
'can' refers to your ability, 'could' refers to your choice.
'I can eat sushi every day'' means 'I do not mind eating sushi every day' with the following implication:
(1) you may not be able to afford it
(2) your parents may not allow you doing it
(3) you have no commitment
'I could eat sushi everyday' means 'It is possible that I may choose to eat sushin everyday' with the following implication:
(1) it is possible but not necessarily so
(2) there is no surprise if you eat sushi everyday
(3) to reinforce 'I like sushi', but no commitment at all.