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can, could, be able to - Coggle Diagram
can, could, be able to
what do they express
Can is used to
- express ability due to knowledge, skill, circumstance
I can read Italian, but I can’t speak it.
These roses can grow anywhere
We can go to Paris this weekend, because I don t have to work
- talk about future ability due to present ability/circumstance
She can win the race tomorrow if she really tries. (already have the ability
- offer something to do
‘Can I carry your bag?
I can babysit for you this evening if you like
- give instructions/make requests
Can you put the children to bed?
- ask for, give or refuse permission
'Can I ask you something?’ ‘Yes, o f course you can.’
‘Can I have some more cake?’ ‘No, I'm afraid you can’t.’
Note: refuse is always can’t, can’t be softened with could
Could is used to
- general ability in the past
She could read when she was four.
I could smell something burning.
- possible occurrences, behaviours (informal)
Amy can really get on your nerves.
Scotland can be very warm in summer.
In the days o f sailing ships, a voyage round the world could take years
- express a chance of something to happen
It could rain later this evening perhaps, (not It can rain)
- ask for or give permission
Could I ask you something?
- express general past permission
When I was a child, I could watch TV whenever I wanted to
softer tone
‘What shall we do tomorrow?’ ‘Well, we could go fishing.'
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offers
I could fix your bicycle for you, if that would help
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Be able to is used to
- express ability of living beings
Some people are able to / can walk on their hands.
- replace can/could in future and present perfect tenses, or participle is needed
One day scientists will be able to fin d a cure for cancer.
What have you been able to fin d out?
I might be able to help you.
- express ability of living beings
Jake can lift / is able to lift 150 kilos.
This crane can lift 30 tonnes.
Can/Could vs Be able to
- Could is preferred for sensing verbs
I can see Susan coming
Can you hear somebody coming up the stairs?
You can tell he's Irish from his accent,
- Be able to is preferred for single time past occurrence, especially living beings
How many eggs were you able to get?
She was able to read when she was four.
- Could is preferred for past senses, general abilities, or permissions
She could read when she was four.
I could smell something burning.
When I was a child, I could watch TV whenever I wanted to
- Be able to is preferred for one time past abilities or permissions
How many eggs were you able to get?
Yesterday evening, Daniel was allowed to watch TV fo r an hour.
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