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

Summary

This video provides a comprehensive overview of modals of ability in English, focusing on 'can', 'can't', 'could', 'couldn't', and 'be able to'. It explains how these modals are used to express general abilities, skills, and past capabilities, as well as their role in perfect and future tenses. The video also touches on the non-modal verb 'manage' to discuss success in difficult situations. The explanations are clear with examples, and it highlights the differences between informal and formal usage, providing learners with practical insights for mastering modals of ability.

Takeaways

• 😀 We use modals of ability (can, can't, could, couldn't, be able to) to talk about someone's skill or general abilities.
• 😀 'Can' and 'can't' are commonly used in spoken English to discuss present or future abilities (e.g., 'She can swim like a fish').
• 😀 'Could' is used to discuss general abilities in the past, such as 'He could swim well when he was younger.'
• 😀 'Could have + past participle' expresses an opportunity that was available but not taken, e.g., 'I could have gone to the party but didn't.'
• 😀 'Be able to' is more formal than 'can' and is used when 'can' is not possible, such as after another modal verb (e.g., 'I might be able to go').
• 😀 'Was/were able to' refers to an ability to succeed in doing something on a particular occasion (e.g., 'She was able to finish the project on time').
• 😀 For perfect and future tenses, we use 'be able to' instead of 'can' or 'could' (e.g., 'I haven't been able to finish the work yet').
• 😀 'Be able to' cannot be used in continuous forms, making it different from 'can' and 'could'.
• 😀 'Couldn't' and 'wasn't/were not able to' are used in negative sentences to express inability, both generally and for specific occasions (e.g., 'He couldn't finish the exam').
• 😀 'Manage' is not a modal verb but refers to succeeding in doing something difficult, e.g., 'She managed to complete the task despite the challenges.'

Q & A

What are the main modals of ability discussed in the video?

The main modals of ability discussed are 'can', 'can't', 'could', 'couldn't', and 'be able to'. Additionally, the verb 'manage' is mentioned, but it's not a modal verb.

How do we use 'can' and 'can't' in the present or future?

'Can' is used to talk about the ability to do something in the present or future. For example, 'You can make a lot of money if you work hard' (future) or 'We can't see anything' (present).

How do 'could' and 'couldn't' differ from 'can' and 'can't'?

'Could' and 'couldn't' refer to abilities or skills in the past. For example, 'She could swim like a fish' (past ability) or 'They couldn't sing very well' (past inability).

When do we use 'could have' + past participle?

'Could have' + past participle is used to express an opportunity someone had but didn't take. For example, 'I could have danced all night, but I didn't.'

What is the difference between 'be able to' and 'can'?

'Be able to' is a more formal way of expressing ability, often used when 'can' cannot be used, such as after another modal verb or in certain grammatical structures. For example, 'I might be able to go to the party' (after 'might').

How do we use 'was/were able to'?

'Was' and 'were able to' are used to talk about success in doing something on a particular occasion in the past. For example, 'Mom was able to pay by credit card' when she had no cash on her.

When do we use 'be able to' in perfect or future tenses?

'Be able to' is used in perfect and future tenses, such as 'I haven't been able to cook dinner' (present perfect) or 'You will be able to understand modals of ability' (future simple).

Why is 'be able to' used after certain verbs?

'Be able to' is used after certain verbs that are followed by an infinitive, such as 'He hopes to be able to study history at university.'

Can we use 'able to' in continuous forms?

No, 'able to' is not used in continuous forms. It is typically used in simple tenses like present, past, and future.

What is the role of 'manage' in talking about ability?

'Manage' is not a modal verb, but it is used to describe successfully doing something difficult. For example, 'He managed to save money despite his small salary.'