Can, Could, Be able to.

UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL DE CHIMBORAZO

FACULTAD DE CIENCIAS DE LA EDUCACIÓN HUMANAS Y TECNOLOGÍAS

CARRERA DE INGLES

Today we talk about modal verb: Can, Could, Be able to.

Can is a modal auxiliary verb which is the most  commonly used in English but it isn’t a formal way,  we also use this modal verb to express ability, possibility, and also to request permission in an informal way.

Example: Can you help me please? Very informal

Could we use as a past ability of can, also is used to request suggestion and request permission this modal auxiliary verb is also commonly used buy it is very formal way or so polite form. Could is also used as a conditional.

Could you lend me your pen please? Very formal

Be able to is not a modal auxiliary verb.  It is not commonly useful but is stronger than can and could. Be able to is used in preset, past and future.

I am able to finish my homework. Present

I was able to play the piano. Past

I will be able to play a piano in a famous band. Future