Ability(Can,could,be able to)

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Date: Sep 13 2008
Topic: Grammar

Author: dandouna

Lesson

*Use can or be able to to talk about ability in the present.

 Examples: She can do computer graphics

She's able to do computer graphics

*Use either could or was/were able to to talk about ability(but not a specific achievement) in the past.

 Examples:Sam could read when he was four.

 He was able to use acomputer too.

--Be Careful:Use managed to or was/were able to to talk about a specific achievement or a single event in the past.

 Examples:She managed to delete the virus from her computer.

 He was able to fix his computer when it broke down.

 *Use either could or was/were able to in negative sentences about past ability.

 Examples:I couldn't do spreadsheets

 I wasn't able to do one problem.

--For forms and tenses other than the present or past, use be able to.

 Examples:Jen wants to be able to write software. (infinitive)

By June she will be able to complete her computer class. (future)

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