Modals of Ability - can, could, be able to - Learn English Grammar

Modals of ability. In this video you learn how to use the modals of ability: can, can't, could, couldn't and be able to as well as the verb manage. Learn when you use the modals and why. Learn the differences in meaning of the different modals. With example sentences and a test at the end to see how much you have learned.

Transcript

Hi, Today we are going to learn about modals of ability. Remember to turn the subtitles on so you can follow along. let's get started.

The modals of ability are can, can't could, couldn't, and be able to. I will also talk briefly about manage which also refers to ability but is not a modal verb.
Let's start with:
CAN and can't
We use can and can't to talk about someone’s skill or general abilities.

She can swim like a fish.
Or

They can’t sing very well, can they?

We use can to talk about the ability to do something at a given time in the present or future:
You can make a lot of money if you work hard. This is referring to the future but we use can.
or referring to the present
We can’t see anything.

Generally, we use can and can't in spoken English rather than be able to as it is shorter and less formal.

Now let's look at COULD

We use could to talk about generally about a skill or ability in the past.
She could swim like a fish.
They couldn’t sing very well.

We use could have + past participle to say that someone had the ability/opportunity to do something, but did not do it:

I could have danced all night [but didn't].

CAN AND COULD

We use can and could with the senses: see, hear, smell, feel and taste.
From the top of the hill, we could see for miles.
I can smell something burning.

Moving on to BE ABLE TO

Be able to is like can. But more formal.
We use it to talk about abilities. We often use it in places where it is not possible to use can. For example, it isn’t possible to use can after another modal verb:

I'm free this evening, I might be able to go to the party with you.


Was/ were able to when speaking about something someone succeeded in doing on one particular occasion.

Mum didn't have any money on her but fortunately, she was able to pay by credit card.






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Title: Drive

modals of ability

[finestvods]

Thanks for the explanation and thank you for being a helping hand in my exams

[anithaanil]

I am in love with ur explanation ma’am
Thank u
U made it a lot more easier ❤️❤️

[shuhaibgurukkal]

Thank you for your class...really helpful and simple presentation

[virivillana]

Thanks for the video. it's great!

[arwaalsafty]

Hello Teacher.
I hope you're doing well.
I have a question, please .
I have learned that you don't use "can" for a future ability instead you use " will be able to" . And I have also learned that you use "can" for future arrangements. But while studying I came across thses two sentences : " I can finish the work tomorrow " and " I will be able to finish this work tomorrow " .
I am a teacher and I really want to know the accurate difference between these two sentences so that I can tell my high-school students. Does the first sentence express ability of future arrangements?
Could you please help me understand this whole thing? I WILL be thankful.

[michele]

Great video, one question please: can I use "can" for specific abilities or I have to use "be able to"?
Thanks

[westshady]

I lıked the video! Everyone could understand the subject with this video!!

[avciberivan]

Very good but I dont understand because I dont know

[Meriemfarida]

I thought be able to is a phrase not a modal !

[virivillana]

Thanks for the video. it's great!

[virivillana]

Thanks for the video. it's great!