Description

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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Comments

25 Responses to Speaking English – Expressing ability with CAN, COULD, BE ABLE TO

  1. Anonymous says:

    thank you ;)

  2. Anonymous says:

    thank you mister

  3. Anonymous says:

    @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.

  4. Anonymous says:

    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 !!! ^^

  5. Anonymous says:

    thx alex :)

  6. Anonymous says:

    H:EREISANOTHERTIMEZONELos Angeles, CA
    4:52pm Friday (PST) – Time in Los Angeles, CA
    H:EREISANOTHERTIMEZONELos Angeles, CA

  7. Anonymous says:

    6:50pm Friday (CST) – Time in Mississippi
    Y:OURAMINUTEBEHINDPERHAPSissippi
    H:LN

  8. Anonymous says:

    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.

  9. Anonymous says:

    thank you , it’s very helpful

  10. Anonymous says:

    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”

  11. Anonymous says:

    Good help for those whom havent spokan english skill such as like my self.

  12. Anonymous says:

    it really helps me

  13. Anonymous says:

    i am a ESL student and this is exactly that i need thanks.

  14. Anonymous says:

    Good I like it !!!

  15. Anonymous says:

    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

  16. Anonymous says:

    thank you sir .it is very helpfull.
    rubini

  17. Anonymous says:

    good video im enjoy it thanx

  18. Anonymous says:

    thanks a lot!

  19. Anonymous says:

    hey alex , are you american?? because you’re english is very well, you just speak as i do! hahaha. i’m mexican!

  20. Anonymous says:

    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 .

  21. Anonymous says:

    Woww this is better that INGLES SIN BARRERAS TNX

  22. Anonymous says:

    Thank you Alex :D

  23. Anonymous says:

    oh ok i get it now so she’s not alive anymore that’s why he used could ok thanks alot

  24. Anonymous says:

    @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. :)

  25. Anonymous says:

    @Qtr5229009
    I WAS able to = past
    I AM able to = present
    I WILL BE able to = future

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