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can and could with see, hear, etc

see, hear, feel, smell, taste​

When these verbs refer to perception (receiving information through the eyes, ears, etc), we do not normally use progressive forms. To talk about seeing, hearing, etc at a particular moment, we often use can see, can hear, etc (especially in British English).

  • I can see Susan coming. (not I’m seeing …)
  • Can you hear somebody coming up the stairs?
  • What did you put in the stew? I can taste something funny.
  • Suddenly she realised she could smell something burning.

In American English, I see/hear, etc are common in this sense.

guess, tell​

Can and could are often used with guess and with tell (meaning see, know). Can/could are not normally used with know in the sense of ‘find out’ (see here).

  • I could guess what she wanted.
  • You can tell he’s Irish from his accent. (not You can know …)

understand, follow, remember​

Can/could is often used with these verbs too. It does not always add very much to the meaning.

  • I can’t/don’t understand what she’s talking about.
  • Do/Can you follow what he’s saying?
  • I (can) remember your grandfather.