Expressing Ability: Can, Could, Be able to
In English, we use can, could, and be able to to talk about ability.
Can – Present Ability
Can is used for present ability. It is followed by the base form of the verb.
Affirmative: “I can swim.”
Negative: “I cannot (can t) swim.”
Question: “Can you swim?”
Could – Past Ability
Could is used for past ability.
Affirmative: “When I was five, I could read.”
Negative: “I could not (couldn t) ride a bike.”
Question: “Could you play the piano when you were young?”
Be able to – All Tenses
Be able to can be used in all tenses.
Present: “I am able to help you.”
Past: “I was able to finish on time.”
Future: “I will be able to come tomorrow.”
To learn more: Modal Verbs: Can, Could, Should, Must and Giving Advice: Should, Ought to, Had Better.
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