Can or Be Able To - Advanced English Grammar

In this advanced English grammar lesson, learn the difference between "can" and "be able to". Learn when and how to use "can" and "be able to" correctly and naturally so you can sound fluent and natural in English.

Both "can" and "be able to" have the same meaning. They're used to talk about ability.

But "can" is used to talk about general ability, and "be able to" is used to talk about specific ability.

Their sentence structure is also difference between "can" is a modal verb and "be able to" is a verb expression.

As a modal verb, "can" is more limited in use. When "can" can't be used grammatically, use "be able to".

We discuss these two points in the lesson in detail.

Watch the lesson now and learn how to use "can" and "be able to" so you can improve your advanced English grammar.

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[monikagorzynska]

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[radhakrishnan]

How the best narrator you are ! The way you deliver every word is Cristal and is impeccable !
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[tija]

Because you taught us so well, I will remember the difference between be able to and can for the rest of my life. The word can refers to general ability regardless of time, place, or situation. That is, the statement will always be true regardless of what happens. As an example, consider the following sentence. You can make an internet call with this internet speed. Be able to is used to describe an ability in a specific situation. For instance, the robber was able to escape from the local prison with the assistance of a guard.

[misscerine]

Great explanation ! Thank you Jennifer for making things clear ;)

[garridoscar]

Now I know how to use them correctly. I thought that “be able to”, it was just to use it in future or past tense instead of “could”. Just like that. But thanks to your wonderful explanation I learned what is the grammar reason to use it. Thank you so much Jennifer.

[freecivilian]

For the first time I see the difference between can and be able to, thank you Jenifer!

[eliucampos]

Awesome! Many thanks for such a great explanation.

[jagan]

Hi Jennifer! I'm a beginner learner. Thank you for this video. It helped me to differentiate between "can" and "be able to".

[yeesiuming]

Very useful lesson. It helped me clear up the confusion of using can or be able to.

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I can go over to you.
I am able to write in English now.

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1- I can solve maths problems.
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[hugogalbarini]

I can understand how to youse "can" and "be able to" because I watched your video, and now I am able to finish the exercise in my English student book.
Thank you!

[pro]

Perfectly explained and well presented

[hassanelsheikh]

Thanks, Jennifer Forrest, It's an easy way to present this topic. (A teacher of English from Cairo, Egypt)

[Mahrous_Alrifai]

Thanks much
I'll be able to figure out the differences between those words now.

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