Video lesson · Can / Could / Be Able to
We use can to say that something is possible or allowed, or that somebody has the ability to do something. We use can to talk about skills (learned abilities). Be able to is also possible, but can is more usual. It's a good idea to use be able to to talk about unusual abilities.
Read the full lesson: Can / Could / Be Able to →
Can / Could
Be Able to
Present and Future Ability
Skills
Unusual Ability
With Verbs of Senses
Theoretical Possibility
Permission / Prohibition
Requests
Offers
Deduction / Negative
Possibility / Ability in the Past
Permission / Prohibition in the Past
With Verbs of Senses / Past
Past Skills
Possibility / Ability in the Past + Fact 
Past Use / Summary
Ability in the FutureGet the app and practice this topic as a game — with XP, streaks and instant feedback.
