The diagram below shows the number of marriages and divorces in the UK between 1950 and 2000

1. Graph Type: Line Graph

2. Title: Number of Marriages and Divorces in the UK from 1950 to 2000

3. What are the units of measurement?: Number of marriages and divorces (in thousands)

4. Who: The population of the UK

5. When: From 1950 to 2000

6. Where: United Kingdom

7. Topic: Marriages, remarriages, and divorces in the UK

• Details:

1.  The number of first marriages peaked at 430,000 in 1980 before dropping back to 350,000 by 2000.

2.  The number of second marriages fluctuated between 90,000 and 120,000 over the period.

3.  The total number of marriages followed a similar trend to first marriages, reflecting the fluctuations in first and second marriages.

• Details:

1.  Divorce rates were relatively stable at around 15,000 to 20,000 between 1950 and 1980.

2.  After 1980, divorce rates increased dramatically, reaching around 300,000 by 2000.

The given line graph shows the number of marriages and divorces in the UK from 1950 to 2000, highlighting distinct trends over the 50-year period.

In 1950, approximately 350,000 first marriages were recorded, which increased gradually to a peak of 430,000 in 1980. Afterwards, the number of first marriages decreased slightly, returning to the 350,000 mark by 2000. The total number of marriages mirrored this trend, as it was the combined total of first and second marriages, the latter fluctuating between 90,000 and 120,000 during this period.

Divorce rates showed a significant shift. Between 1950 and 1980, divorces increased slightly from 15,000 to 20,000. However, after 1980, divorce rates soared exponentially, reaching approximately 300,000 by 2000.

Overall, the data suggests that while the number of marriages peaked in 1980, divorce rates saw a dramatic rise from that point onward, marking a clear trend of increased marital instability in the latter part of the 20th century.

Top 27 Vocabularies

Must and Can’t: A Comprehensive Guide to Usage, Meaning, and Examples

Understanding modal verbs such as "must" and "can't" is crucial for mastering English grammar. These two verbs are powerful tools for expressing certainty, necessity, and impossibility. Whether you are a beginner, an advanced learner, or someone teaching English to children, this guide is tailored to meet your needs. It provides SEO-friendly, professional content to help learners understand the nuances of "must" and "can't."

Table of Contents

1. What Is the Difference Between Can and Could?

2. Table Summarizing Can vs Could

3. Detailed Meanings of Can and Could

4. Examples of Can and Could in Sentences

5. Key Usage Rules for Can and Could

6. Practice Questions to Test Your Understanding

7. Frequently Asked Questions on Can vs Could

8. Conclusion

1. What Is the Difference Between Can and Could?

Both "can" and "could" are modal verbs used to express ability, possibility, and permission. However, they differ in meaning and context:

• • "Can" refers to something happening in the present or future and indicates a strong possibility or ability.
  • "Could" often talks about something in the past, expresses a weaker possibility, or makes polite requests.

2. Table Summarizing Can vs Could

Here is a list of modal verbs with their primary functions:

3. Detailed Meanings of Can and Could

What Does "Can" Mean?

Ability: Expresses the capability to do something.

• • Example: I can swim well.

Permission: Grants or asks for permission.

• • Example: You can use my phone.

Possibility: Indicates a strong likelihood.

• • Example: It can get very hot in the desert.

What Does "Could" Mean?

Past Ability: Refers to something someone was able to do in the past.

• • Example: When I was a child, I could climb trees.

Polite Request: Used to make polite requests.

• • Example: Could you help me with my homework?

Weaker Possibility: Expresses something less certain or hypothetical.

• • Example: It could rain later today.

4. Examples of Can and Could in Sentences

Here are some examples to help you see the difference clearly:

Using "Can":

1. Ability:

• • • • She can play the guitar beautifully.

2. Permission:

• • • • You can leave early if you finish your work.

3. Possibility:

• • • • This road can be dangerous at night.

Using "Could":

1. Past Ability:

• • • • He could solve difficult math problems as a child.

2. Polite Request:

• • • • Could you please lend me your notebook?

3. Weaker Possibility:

• • • • This old house could collapse in a storm.

5. Key Usage Rules for Can and Could

1. Tense Matters:

• • Use "can" for present and future situations.
  • Use "could" for past situations or hypothetical scenarios.

2. Politeness:

• • "Could" is often used to make requests sound more polite.

3. Possibility Levels:

• • "Can" shows a higher chance of something happening.
  • "Could" shows a lower or uncertain possibility.

6. Practice Questions to Test Your Understanding

Fill in the blanks with the correct form (can or could):

1. She _______ dance gracefully when she was younger.

2. I _______ help you with your homework tomorrow if you want.

3. _______ you please pass me the salt?

4. It _______ snow tonight, so bring a jacket just in case.

5. We _______ go to the park this evening if it doesn’t rain.

Answers:

1. could

2. can

3. Could

4. could

5. can

7. Frequently Asked Questions on Can vs Could

Q1: Can "can" and "could" be used interchangeably?

No, they cannot be used interchangeably. "Can" is for present or strong possibilities, while "could" is for past, polite requests, or weaker possibilities.

Q2: Is "could" always more polite than "can"?

Yes, "could" is considered more polite, especially in requests.

Q3: Can "could" be used in the present tense?

Yes, "could" can be used in the present tense for polite or hypothetical statements.