Modal Verbs: Ability
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Can, can’t, could, couldn’t, and be able to are modal verbs we use to talk about ability:
- I can count up to ten in German.
- I can’t swim.
- Ingrid could play the violin by the time she was six.
- I couldn’t speak Spanish when I was a little boy.
- Fortunately for FC Barcelona, he was able to play.
| Past | Present | Future | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Affirmative | could was able to used to be able to | can am / is / are able to | will be able to |
| Negative | couldn’t wasn’t / weren’t able to didn’t use to be able to | can’t am not / isn’t / aren’t able to | won’t be able to |
Meaning and Use
Section titled “Meaning and Use”For ability in the present we use can. Using can in the present is more common than be able to.
- I can count up to ten in German.
- Neda can dance really well.
- I can’t open the window.
For ability in the past we use could, was able to, or used to be able to.
We normally use was able to (not could) when talking about a specific situation.
- Ingrid could play the violin by the time she was six.
- Fortunately for Liverpool, he was able to play. (on that particular day)
- The pilot was able to land the plane safely. (on that occasion)
- The kings used to be able to control everything. (general ability at any time in that period)
For ability in the future we use will be able to:
- The new president won’t be able to govern if people don’t like him.
- The baby will soon be able to stand up all by itself.
- Thabo will be able to come, too.
- Will you be able to set up my computer?
Yes / No Questions
Section titled “Yes / No Questions”| Past | Could you ski last January? Weren’t they able to find a hotel? |
| Present | Can you swim? Are they able to climb the stairs? |
| Future | Will we be able to visit the museum when we’re in Madrid? |
Wh- Questions
Section titled “Wh- Questions”- When could you ski?
- Where were they able to stay?
- How fast can you run?
- When will you be able to visit the museum?
Tips & Tricks
Section titled “Tips & Tricks”When using can the stress is usually on the main verb:
I can SWIM.
When can is stressed it is often to emphasize a point:
A: Of course, Jeremy doesn’t know how to swim.
Jeremy: Excuse me! I CAN swim!
It can be difficult to hear the difference between can and can’t. Since can’t changes the meaning of a sentence it is pronounced with a longer, stressed vowel sound. Can does not change the meaning of a sentence and is not stressed.
- We can go to the party tomorrow. (stress on “go”)
- I’m sorry, we can’t come to your party tomorrow. (stress on “can’t”)
References
- “Can vs. Can’t Pronunciation in English – Elemental English.” Elementalenglish.com, 2025, www.elementalenglish.com/can-vs-cant-pronunciation/. Accessed 15 Dec. 2025.
- Scrivener, Jim. Teaching English Grammar: What to Teach and How to Teach It. Oxford, Macmillan Education, 2010.