A2Modal Verbs

Modal Verbs: Ability

What is it?

To talk about ability in English, we use "can" (present), "could" (past), and "be able to" (for other tenses). "Can" is the most common — used for general present ability. "Could" is used for past general ability. "Be able to" is more flexible and works in all tenses.

How to form it

Subject	Positive	Negative	Question
Present ability	She can swim very well.	He can't drive.	Can you play the piano?
Past ability	I could read by the age of five.	She couldn't run fast as a child.	Could he speak French when he was young?
Future / other tenses	I will be able to help you tomorrow.	She hasn't been able to sleep well.	Will you be able to come?

• "Can" is used for present ability and general facts about what someone is capable of.
• "Could" refers to a general ability in the past — something someone was generally able to do.
• For a specific achievement in the past (on one occasion), use "was/were able to", not "could".
• "Be able to" works with all tenses: will be able to, have been able to, was able to.
• "Managed to" is used for specific past achievements with effort: "I managed to finish on time."

When to use it

1
General present ability
She can speak three languages.
2
General past ability (always true in the past)
He could run very fast when he was young.
3
Specific past achievement (one occasion)
She was able to finish the marathon despite being injured. (NOT "could")
4
Future ability
I will be able to help you after 3 PM.
5
Ability in other tenses
He has been able to walk again since the operation.

Common mistakes

I could finish the race yesterday despite the rain.

I was able to finish the race yesterday despite the rain.

For a specific successful achievement in the past, use "was/were able to", not "could".

She will can help you tomorrow.

She will be able to help you tomorrow.

"Can" has no future form — use "will be able to".

Can you to speak Spanish?

Can you speak Spanish?

"Can" is followed by the bare infinitive — no "to".

Quick reference

"Can" = present general ability.
"Could" = past general ability.
"Be able to" works in all tenses.
Specific past success: use "was/were able to" or "managed to".
No "can" in the future — use "will be able to".
"Can" + bare infinitive: no "to".

Natural conversation example

Friends are talking about skills they have or have learned.

Sam

Can you speak any languages other than English?

Priya

I can speak Hindi and I'm learning Mandarin. I could already read a little when I was a teenager.

Sam

That's impressive! I couldn't even manage French at school.

Priya

It takes time. Will you be able to take a language course this year?

Sam

Maybe. I've finally been able to free up some evenings.

Priya

Great! I was able to fit in 30 minutes a day even during my busiest period.

Sam

You're very disciplined. I wish I could be like that.

Priya

You can be! Anyone can learn with the right motivation.

Practice Exercises

Fill in the blank with the correct ability modal.

1.
She __ play the violin since she was six. (general present)
2.
He __ swim very well when he was young. (past general)
3.
I __ finish the project on time last week. (specific past success)
4.
Will you __ come to the meeting tomorrow?
5.
I __ drive yet — I'm still learning. (present negative)
6.
They __ escape from the burning building. (specific past achievement)
7.
She has __ sleep better since she started exercising. (present perfect)
8.
__ you speak any other languages? (present question)
9.
He __ run 10 km without stopping when he was at university. (past general)
10.
I hope I'll __ afford a holiday this year. (future)

Modal Verbs (overview)All Topics Modal Verbs of Obligation

Now use Modal Verbs: Ability in real conversation

Grammar sticks when you use it out loud. Practise with an AI tutor who gives you instant feedback.

Speak with AI Tutor