Can, could and able to are similar and can be used in various ways. ​Let’s take a look at each one in detail.

modal verb – can

Can you think of any ways we use ‘can’ in everyday speech. I can think of a few.

‘Can’ can be used to show:

  • ability (something you are able to do)
  • permission (allow someone to do something)
  • possibility (likelihood of something happening)
  • request (ask for something)

 

Take a look at the pictures below, you’ll find the function of ‘can’ as a modal and examples in everyday use.

modal verb - can
modal verb - can
modal verb - can
modal verb - can
modal verb - can
modal verb - can

modal verb – could

You could look at these slides if you want to improve your knowledge of modals. ​​

‘Could’ can be used to show:

  • ability (something you are able to do)
  • lack of ability (something you are not able to do)
  • permission (allow someone to do something)
  • possibility (likelihood of something happening)
  • suggestion (offer a solution)

 

Take a look at the pictures below, you’ll find the function of ‘could’ as a modal and examples in everyday use.

modal verb - could
modal verb - could
modal verb - could
modal verb - could
modal verb - could

be able to

Able to is not technically a modal verb, it is actually just the verb ‘to be’ + the adjective able + the preposition to. It’s used in a similar way to ‘can’ and ‘could’ so I figured there’s no harm is adding it to this section. It’s quite a common phrase in English, so you may as well take a look.

See if you are able to understand the uses of ‘able to’.

‘Able to’ can be used to show:

  • ability (something you can do)
  • lack of ability (something you can’t do)

 

Take a look at the pictures below, you’ll find the function of ‘able to’ and examples in everyday use.

modal verb - be able to
modal verb - be able to
modal verb - be able to
modal verb - be able to

modal verbs quiz – can, could, able to

It’s quiz time! Can you put everything you’ve learnt on this page into action? Are you able to score full marks? I’ll give you a clue, some questions can have more than one possible answer.

modal verbs quiz - can, could, able to

answers :   1. able to   2. can/could   3. can/could, can   4. could   5. can’t   6. can/could  7. not able to    8. couldn’t