We sometimes use be able to instead of “can” or “could” for ability.
Be able to is possible in all tenses
– but “can” is possible only in the present and “could” is possible only in the past for ability. In addition, “can” and “could” have no infinitive form.
Could for past possibility or ability?
“Could” is a modal verb used to express possibility or
past ability
as well as to make suggestions and requests. “Could” is also commonly used in conditional sentences as the conditional form of “can.” Examples: Extreme rain could cause the river to flood the city.
Can Can t ability grammar?
Can/
Cannot in affirmative and negative sentences
. We use Can when we have the ability, time or will to do something. For example: I can play the guitar. (This means that I have the ability to play the instrument) OR I can go to the store later (I have the time to go soon) OR I can help you (I want to help you).
Can and could grammar?
Can, like could and would, is
used to ask a polite question
, but can is only used to ask permission to do or say something (“Can I borrow your car?” “Can I get you something to drink?”). Could is the past tense of can, but it also has uses apart from that–and that is where the confusion lies.
Can we use could for future possibilities?
Could, may or might convey the idea of future possibility. Of these, may
expresses a stronger degree of certainty that an event will occur
. For example: The temperature is dropping.
Can ability possibility?
“Can” is one of the most commonly used modal verbs in English. It can be used to express ability or opportunity, to request or offer permission, and to show possibility or impossibility.
Can sentences examples ability?
We use Can when we have the ability, time or will to do something. For example:
I can play the guitar
. (This means that I have the ability to play the instrument) OR I can go to the store later (I have the time to go soon) OR I can help you (I want to help you).
Would and will use?
The main difference between will and would is that
will is used for real possibilities
while would is used for imagined situations in the future.
Can or could you please?
1 Answer. If taken literally,
“Can you” is equivalent to asking the person
if they’re capable of doing something. “Could you”, on the other hand, implies that the action can be completed under some circumstances by the person. The usage of can you is idiomatic, and hence, is more popular used phrase of the two.
Will you vs Can you?
May implies that you are asking for permission. Can implies that you are questioning somebody’s ability. Will implies
that you are seeking an answer about the future
.
Can past present future?
Can is a modal verb and modal verbs have only two forms, present tense and past tense. As there is no infinitive, they
can’t form future tense
, and as there is no past participle they can’t form perfect forms.
Which model is used for future possibility?
May and might + infinitive
are used to express present or future possibility. May expresses a greater degree of certainty: You should ask him.
Which tense is used with could?
Could has no tenses
, no participles, and no infinitive form. There is no past tense, but could have followed by a past participle is used for referring to something in the past that was not real, or something that may possibly have been real: I could have been killed.
Can past ability examples?
She could paint before she started school
. I couldn’t cook until I went to university. When I lived next to the pool, I could go swimming every day.
Can in the future?
There is no future tense of can
, but will be able to is used for saying that someone will have the ability to do something or that something will be possible in the future, especially after a long time: She’ll be able to walk soon.
What are examples of abilities?
- Good communication skills.
- Critical thinking.
- Working well in a team.
- Self-motivation.
- Being flexible.
- Determination and persistence.
- Being a quick learner.
- Good time management.
