In this English grammar lesson, I look at how to use “can”, “could”, and “be able to”, when talking about ability. I explain which term is appropriate, depending on if you’re talking about the past, present, or future.
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25 Responses to Speaking English – Expressing ability with CAN, COULD, BE ABLE TO
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thank you
thank you mister
@mklkmr i think you should’ve used in that phrase is “can” because you are talking about yourself. however, you could use “could” if you’re talking about someone . i hope i’m correct.
this is a nice video, thanks so much, but i can understand what teacher wanna to say because he always speak enghlish all time of video !!! ^^
thx alex
H:EREISANOTHERTIMEZONELos Angeles, CA
4:52pm Friday (PST) – Time in Los Angeles, CA
H:EREISANOTHERTIMEZONELos Angeles, CA
6:50pm Friday (CST) – Time in Mississippi
Y:OURAMINUTEBEHINDPERHAPSissippi
H:LN
Thank you for the video. I never learn grammar. I was born in the USA. My teachers thought I speak a second language, which I don’t. My junior English told me to read more books to help my grammar, but I’m too lazy.
thank you , it’s very helpful
Thank you, but I am confused with for example the use of could here ..I can’t relate it
“i could really use a wish right now”
Good help for those whom havent spokan english skill such as like my self.
it really helps me
i am a ESL student and this is exactly that i need thanks.
Good I like it !!!
are these sentence correct
(1) he is being able to speak English
(2) he was being able to speak English
(3) he has been able to speak English
(4) he had been able to speak English
(5) he may have been able to speak English
(6) he may be able to speak English
(7) he should be able to speak English
(8) he should have been able to speak English
(9) he has to be able to speak English
(10) he could have spoken English
thank you sir .it is very helpfull.
rubini
good video im enjoy it thanx
thanks a lot!
hey alex , are you american?? because you’re english is very well, you just speak as i do! hahaha. i’m mexican!
Hi . Well I have a question to ask . First I want to know when to use be able to instead of could . is their any specefic definition because while the prof were explaining he mentioned some particular points for instance ; Verbs of senses , thinking .
Woww this is better that INGLES SIN BARRERAS TNX
Thank you Alex
oh ok i get it now so she’s not alive anymore that’s why he used could ok thanks alot
@CH0UDHRY
Yes, you can use “could” for future, but that’s kind of when speaking of uncertainty
“I could go to school tomorrow” (If I’m not sick) or (instead of today).
Can is more like “I know I can do it tomorrow”
Could is more like “I could maybe go tomorrow”
But you’re right.
@Qtr5229009
I WAS able to = past
I AM able to = present
I WILL BE able to = future