Can / Be Able To
Listed below are examples and uses of can / could / be able to for ability and permission
| Examples | Usage |
|
He can play tennis well. |
Use 'can' or 'be able to' to express an ability or possibility NOTE: The future of 'be able to' is 'will be able to |
|
He could swim when he was five. |
Could in the past means the general ability to do something. |
|
They were able to get tickets for the concert. I was able to finish before 6. I couldn't come last night, sorry. OR I wasn't able to come last night, sorry. |
IMPORTANT: If someone was in the position to do something, or managed to do something, we use 'was/were able to instead of 'could' In the negative,' wasn't able to' OR 'couldn't' are both correct. |
Test your understanding by taking the Can / Be Able To Quiz
