How to Use Can, Could and Be Able To - English Modal Verbs for Ability

Contents:
1. Using 'can' and 'could' to talk about ability 0:43
2. Using 'be able to' 1:40
3. Ability in the past 3:20
4. Two possible meanings of 'could' 6:07
5. Review 7:49

In this video, you will see:
1) How to use can to talk about abilities in the present or future
2) How to use could to talk about abilities in the past
3) When you need to use the verbs be able to or managed to
4) The difference between can or could, and be able to
5) The two different meanings of could

Can and could are used to talk about abilities in the past, present or future. Sometimes, there isn't a form of can, and we need to use the verb be able to. For example, can doesn't have a present perfect form, so if you want to use can in the present perfect, you need to use be able to.

In other forms, can or could and be able to generally have the same meaning. However, if you are talking about abilities in the past, could and be able to are sometimes different. We use could to talk about general abilities in the past, while if you want to talk about a specific ability at a specific time, you need to use be able to.

The full lesson includes a text and a quiz, so that you can practise what you have learned.

[bonniel]

I have a test after 2 hours, this video is a life saver

[jenniferwoodfield]

Thank you so much for this, I've been teaching for 13 years and I've always had difficulty in teaching this topic. This has been a huge help. Thanks again 🙏🏻

[inaholmatihaashkaiidhiib.]

I can say, You can be a teacher for any kind of student. You are an awesome teacher.

[iscgdmm]

I'm sure this lesson is perfect. Oli is able to explain difficult things so that they become easy. 😊

[vivianemurteira]

Thank you so much! This class is the best I’ve ever seen about can, could and (be) able to.

[radwafarouk]

Always you make us see grammar from other sides we don't know you are amazing mr. Oli..thank you thank you

[jacobjin]

1: To talk about ability in the present or future, we use can or be able to
ex: she can speak English well like a native speaker or She's able to speak English well like a native speaker.

2: To talk about general ability in the past, we use could or was/were able to
ex: My buddy could read practically all the automotive brands when he was about 3 years old.

3: To talk about specific ability in the past, we use was/were able to or managed to
ex: although the traffic was really packed on the road, we were able to get there on time.

4: To talk about ability for hypothetical or conditional situation, we use could or would be albe to
ex: we could go to movies if you wanted or He could have achived the target if he had worked harder.

[manalelgaml]

Native arabic speaker, but this video helped me with my school lesson so much 🥰
Using a simple language is great 🤘🤘

[roserpuig]

Thank you very much. I finally understand this "verb"

[mr.green]

Thanks a lot for your lesson. It’s very useful for me. Now I understand difference between can\could and able to modal verbs. Review: if you’re using same combination better use unique modal verb - able to and try create your sentences in p
the past perfect tens or use after verbs - ing

[MrBoomTV-mz]

Wery well Oli. You are wonder if I would look in a Oxford Online English channel. So much much many thanks for your lesson videos. Good luck teacher.

[selfdfence]

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[amygao]

Thank you, OlL! YOUR ALL VIDEO WAS SO HELPFUL TO ME! I couldn't speak well two years ago, but now everything has become better.

[uththaraGauthami]

I thank you from the bottom of my heart.Lesson is very clear for me

[dixonmelda]

Hi Oli ..I really find your lessons Helpfull..My husband is english i dont have any problem with talking english in regular basis .But I need it grammar lessons .Thats why Im watching your all videos ..Thank you very much indeed..

[omkarade]

Most helpful for all students and teachers thanku so much sir

[noone]

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[yousracherifi]

I just discovered your channel and i'm learning fast, thanks a million ❤️

[mladen]

Very clear and to the point. Thanks! :)

[MsJhonmendoza]

Thank you so much. I was trying to use the perfect present form with could. Now I know I can't use it to that. But, I can use it if my sentence is negative.