In addition to ordinary verbs in English, there are special verbs that are not like others, because. they are not used by themselves, but only accompanied by ordinary verbs, do not change in persons and do not obey grammatical rules. They are called modal - that is, these verbs express not the action itself, but the attitude towards it. The main representatives of this group, the most common and most commonly used orally and writing are modal verbs can, may, must, and this article will be devoted to the first of the listed verbs - can- "to be able, to be able." This verb, unlike other modal verbs, has the form of the present tense - can and the past tense - could.

General features of modal verbs

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As mentioned above, modal verbs do not follow general grammatical rules and they all have distinctive features.

1. They do not change in persons and numbers (that is, the same form for all persons - I can, she can)
2. They do not require the use of an auxiliary verb, but act as an auxiliary verb themselves (not Do you can swim but - Can you swim)
3. They are followed by the infinitive of the verb without particle to(He can't speak Chineese)

Conjugation of the modal verb Can in examples
Let's follow the affirmative, interrogative and negative forms of the modal verb can - could in the sentence "I can draw"

I can draw a picture - I can (could) draw a picture - I could draw a picture
We can draw a picture - we can (could) draw a picture - we could draw a picture
You can draw a picture - you can (could) draw a picture - you could draw a picture
He, she, it can draw a picture - he, she can (could) draw a picture - he, she, it could draw a picture

As you can see from the examples, the modal verb can (could) has only one form that fits all persons without exception and does not change.

The negative form is formed using the negative particle not, which is placed after the modal verb can not (can't) and could not (couldn't).

I cannot (can't) / could not (couldn't) draw a picture
We cannot / could not draw a picture
You cannot / could not draw a picture
He, she, it cannot / could not draw a picture

When forming the interrogative form, we use the modal verb can as an auxiliary verb and build an interrogative sentence in the following sequence: 1) - interrogative word (if any), 2) - auxiliary verb can /could, 3) - subject, 4) - predicate, 5) - minor members of the proposal. Let's try to translate the following questions into English together:

Can you read German? – Can you read German? (a general question does not contain a question word, so the translation of the sentence begins with an auxiliary verb)
What can you cook for lunch? – What can you cook for dinner? (special question, contains a question word)
Who can fix the TV? – Who can repair the TV? (question to the subject - note that in this case for auxiliary verb the predicate follows immediately)

What does the modal verb can mean? When should it be used?

1) The modal verb can has several meanings, but its main purpose is to express the physical and mental ability of a person. when we speak “I can cook - I can (can) cook”, we mean that we have the ability to cook dinner. “I can open this box - I can open this box”, i.e. I have enough strength, I am physically strong enough to open this box.

We can help you solve examples - We can help you to do the summs (mental ability)
I can carry the luggage to the car (physical ability)

2) Using the modal verb can, we express a prohibition, request or permission:

You cannot go out - you cannot go outside (prohibition)
Can I have dinner with you? - Can I have lunch with you? (request)
You can watch TV after you complete your lessons - You can watch TV when you finish your lessons (permission)

3) Surprise, distrust, doubt can also be expressed using the modal verb can. In this case, the sentence will more often be interrogative or negative, and the modal verb will more often be translated as "really."

Could he cheat me? - Did he deceive me?
I couldn't have lost the money - I couldn't lose money
How can you say such a thing! How can you say such things!
She can't be 50! Is she 50 years old?

We often see the modal verb can accompanied by the verbs of perception and feelings feel, see, hear, understand and others, but in this case we often do not translate the modal verb into Russian:

I can feel the flavor of roses - I can feel the aroma of roses
Can you understand what I tell you? Do you understand what I'm telling you?

At the end of this article, we suggest remembering constructions in which the modal verb can is present:

It can't be possibly true - It can't be true
I can't but ask him about it - I have no choice but to ask him about it
I couldn't help laughing - I couldn't help but laugh

Modal verb can is one of the most common verbs in the English language. It is most often used when it is necessary to express opportunity to take some action, in other words, to say “I can do this”, “he can”, “you can” and so on. Verb could is the past tense form of the verb can, we will also consider it in this article.

Table: modal verb Can in affirmative, negative, interrogative form

You can solve your problems later. - You can solve your problems later.

We can watch this movie next time. - We Can watch this movie next time.

Also, instead of the verb can, the turnover will be able to can be used to indicate the possibility in the future, read more about this below.

2. To express a request

Are used can And could in an interrogative form. Request from could sounds somewhat more polite, it is used in sentences addressed to another person (that is, not with the pronoun I).

Can I take your pen? - Can shall I take your pen?

Can I suggest you another option? - Can I suggest you another option?

Can you give me a hand? - Can't you will you help me? (to give a hand - lit.: give a hand, transl.: help)

could you tell me where is the library? - Would you suggest where is the library?

could you do me a favour, please? - Could you will you do me a favor?

3. To express prohibition

Verb can't often used to express a prohibition, that is, to say not “you cannot”, but “you cannot”.

You can't smoke here, there are kids playing. - Here it is forbidden smoke, children play here.

You can't park here. It's a private territory. - To you it is forbidden park here, it's private.

4. To express surprise, doubt, distrust

There are many nuances here, much depends on the context.

Doubt with a hint of distrust is more often expressed in negative sentences with a verb in an indefinite form:

He can't swim across Lake Tahoe. - Yes can not he swim across Lake Tahoe (distrust, doubt).

Surprise with a hint of doubt, mistrust is usually expressed in interrogative sentences with a verb in an indefinite form. In translation, the word “really” is often used to make the meaning clearer.

Can this unicorn be real? - Really is this unicorn real?

If in the same question to use could the meaning will change a bit. You will get something like:

could this unicorn be real? - Could it this unicorn be real?

Often, proposals can/could used ironically, with sarcasm, for example:

could you buy more milk? - And you have even more milk could not buy?

could did you wake up any later? - And you later could not wake up?

But in this case great importance has tone and context. One of the heroes of the TV series “Friends”, Chandler, similar phrases with “Could it be” used so often that he was even sometimes mimicked. Unfortunately, this feature of Chandler's speech almost did not appear in the translation.

5. To express doubt about what happened

That is, I do not believe that something happened. Scheme: cannot + have + Past Participle (affirmative or interrogative form).

Turnover is usually translated with “cannot be” or another suitable expression.

He is my best friend, he cannot have betrayed me. - He is my friend, it can't be that he betrayed me.

Billy doesn't have much money. He can't have bought this car. Billy doesn't have much money. He couldn't this car buy.

Can she have forgotten to pick up the kids from house? - Really she could forget take the kids out of the house?

Turnover could have + Past Participle

Separately, we should consider the turnover could have + (past participle, third form of the verb). It can mean:

1. An action that someone could have done, but did not

She could have married him but she didn't want to. - She could get out for him married but didn't want to.

They could have bought a house here 20 years ago but chose not to. - They could buy house here 20 years ago but decided not to.

Often there is a hint of reproach.

You could have helped me instead of just sitting there. - You could help me instead of sitting here.

I could have done more to help you. Sorry. - I could do more to help you. I'm sorry.

2. Assumption, conjecture about something that happened in the past

In this case, with a slightly different meaning, one can use may have or might have, cm. " ".

Simon could have told her truth. - Maybe, Simon told her the truth.

They could have overheard what we said. - They could hear what we said.

In negative and question, you can use can have + Past Participle, then you get a turnover like “Really ...?” or “It can’t be…”, discussed above (para. 5 “To express doubt about what happened”)

Can she have forgotten about our meeting? - How could she forget about our meeting?

He can't have seen us. - Can't be so that he us saw.

3. Assuming something that didn't actually happen

This case refers to one of the types of conditional sentences, read more about them in.

I could have done well in my exam if I had worked harder. I could do better in the exam if I prepared better.

Modal verb can and turnover to be able to

Verb can in the meaning of “to be able to do something” can be replaced by a synonymous turnover to be able to+ verb (to be able to do something). But there is a difference between these two ways of expressing possibility.

Can / to be able to in the future tense

It is usually said that turnover to be able to it is convenient to use when you need to say about the possibility of doing something in the future, because the verb has can there is no future tense form (one cannot say will can).

But here it is important to remember such a nuance.

The verb can itself can refer to the future. For example:

You can rest later. Now we have to work. - You you can(you can) rest later. Now we have to work.

We can read this book tomorrow, let's play videogames. - We we can(we can) read this book tomorrow, let's play video games.

In the future, turnover to be able to is used when we talk about an opportunity, ability, skill that does not exist now, but will appear in the future. Verb can It can NOT be used to express a possibility, an ability that will only appear in the future.

Right: I will be able to walk properly after the surgery. - I I can walk normally after surgery.

Wrong: I can walk properly after the surgery.

Another example:

Right: will be able to work as a sailor. – When I finish these courses, I I can work as a sailor.

Wrong: When I complete this training course, I can work as a sailor.

Both options, can or to be able to, can be used to talk about future decisions or arrangements:

The doctor can/will be able to see you later today. - Doctor will be able take you later today.

I can/will be able to help you with your homework later. - I I can help you with your homework later.

I can/will be able to give you a lift home tonight. - I I can drive you home tonight.

Can / to be able to in present tense

In present time to be able to sounds more formal, even weird. It's like saying in Russian not “I can play the guitar”, but “I can play the guitar”.

I can play a guitar. - I Can to play guitar.

I am able to play a guitar. - I able to play guitar.

Michelle can can bake delicious pies.

Michelle is able to bake delicious cakes. – Michelle capable bake delicious pies.

Options with can are used much more frequently.

Can / to be able to in past tense

When we are talking about an ability or opportunity that existed in the past, both options can be used:

When I was younger, I could could remember everything better.

When I was younger, I was able to remember everything so well. - When I was younger, I could remember everything better.

Note that in the past tense could usually means (in affirmative sentences) the ability to do something at all and is not used when talking about some one-time action at a certain moment. Here it makes more sense to be able to.

Right: We were able to visit Mary on Monday, because she wasn't busy. - We could visit Mary on Monday because she was not busy.

Wrong: We could visit Mary Monday, because she wasn't busy.

IN negative sentences How couldn't, and wasn't/weren't able to can be used for long-term actions, and for one-time.

I couldn't / wasn't able to finish all my homework yesterday. - I could not finish homework yesterday.

I couldn't / wasn't able to see the band at all from where I was standing. - I completely was not visible(could not see) the musicians from where I was standing.

I couldn't / wasn't able to drive when I was younger. - I couldn't drive when I was younger.

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Modal verb can can be translated as " Can», « Can», « can't be», « really...?". It is used to express skill, physical ability, permission, request, prohibition, confidence or doubt in something, the improbability of something.

Modal verb can in the past tense or when agreeing on tenses, it changes to could. Can does not have a future form, in which case the future form of the construction is used instead to be able to.

Statement

In affirmative sentences, the modal verb can used only with the simple infinitive (first form) of semantic verbs without a particle to.

• I can swim.- I can swim.
• It can be true.- It might be true.
• You can use my pen.- You can use my pen.

Past form of the modal verb can(could) in a statement can be used with a simple infinitive of semantic verbs, as well as with a perfect infinitive in the meaning of a reproach, an unfulfilled action.

• We could run fast when we were young. We could run fast when we were young.
• She said Jack could take her car. She said that Jack could take her car. (coordination of times)

• You could be quiet at least. I'm trying to work.“You could at least be quiet. I'm trying to work.
• Matt could have waited for us. Matt could have waited for us.

Negation

Negative offer with can or could formed by adding a particle not after the modal verbs themselves.

• I can't find the key to my car. I can't find the key to my car.
• You can't take my phone. You can't take my phone.

• My mom said my friends could not stay at my place. My mother said that my friends cannot stay with me. (coordination of times)
• Jack could not have said it. It can't be that Jack said that.

• can't = cannot = can't
• could not = couldn't

• my brother can't dance. My brother can't dance.
• I couldn't swim when I was 5 years old. I couldn't swim when I was 5 years old.

• Can you swim?- You can swim?
• Can I speak to your boss?- Can I talk to your boss?

• Could they read when they were 5? Could they read when they were 5 years old?
• Could Ann speak perfect English before going to England? Could Ann speak perfect English before going to England?

• Can't you be quiet? I'm studying!- Can't you shut up? I'm studying!
• why couldn't you do that for me? Why couldn't you do it for me?

Also could is a more polite form of question than can, and they can freely replace each other in the present tense.

• Can you switch off the air conditioning?– Can you turn off the air conditioner?
• Could you switch off the air conditioning?– Could you turn off the air conditioner?

Features of use

physical capability

Modal verb can, as a rule, expresses the mental or physical ability or inability to do something, the capabilities and skills of a person.

• Harry Potter can talk to snakes. Harry Potter can talk to snakes.
• He can't speak Portuguese. He can't speak Portuguese.
• Can you swim?- You can swim?

• I could dance all night long when I was young. I could dance all night when I was young.
• Jack couldn't drive a car before last summer. Jack didn't know how to drive a car until last summer.
• Could Alex dance the waltz at the high school? Could Alex waltz in high school?

Facts, rules, circumstances

• She said you could not. She said she couldn't.
• I asked her, but she said I couldn't do it.- I asked her, but she said that I could not (was) do this.

Expression of dissatisfaction, reproach

Modal verb could used to express the speaker's dissatisfaction when some action could have happened, but does not happen, or did not happen in the past. Such sentences convey a shade of reproach, irritation.

In this value only modal is used could with a simple infinitive of a semantic verb for the present and future tense, and with verbs in the form of a perfect infinitive for denoting an action in the past tense.

• Present and Future with Simple Infinitive
• You could speak more distinctly without your chewing gum. You could speak more clearly without your gum.
• We could go to the party today. We could go to a party tonight. (but we won't go)

• Past tense with Perfect Infinitive
• You could have called beforehand!- You could call me (then) in advance!
• She could have explained us how to do this work. She could explain how to do this job.

Doubt, uncertainty

Modal verb can or its past tense form could can be used in interrogative sentences to express doubt or uncertainty speaking about something. Wherein could expresses a greater degree of uncertainty (a person doubts even more) than can. Such sentences are translated as " really..?», « is it true that..?».

can And could simple infinitive and continuous infinitive could with the form of the perfect and perfect continuous infinitive of the semantic verb.

• present tense
• Can she be right?– Is she right?
• Can she be telling the truth? Is she telling the truth (now)?

• Past tense
• Could she have been right? Was she right?
• Could she have been living with him for 5 years? Is it true that she lived with him for 5 years?

Expression of improbability

Negative forms of present and past tense can not And could not used to express what the speaker refuses to believe into something, this action is unreal and cannot be true. Such sentences are translated as " it can't be that... ". Wherein could makes such a proposal less categorical.

In this sense, when talking about the present tense, with can not And could not the semantic verb is used in the form of a simple infinitive and a continuous infinitive. When talking about the past tense, the perfect infinitive and the perfect continuous infinitive of the semantic verb are used.

• present tense
• Ann can't be right. It can't be that Ann was right.
• Ann couldn't be telling the truth. Ann is hardly telling the truth (now).

• Past tense
• Ann can't have lied that day.“It can't be that Ann lied to me then.
• Ann couldn't have been living with Matt for 5 years. It can't be that Ann lived with Matt for 5 years.

Set expressions

In these set expressions, the modal verb can used to talk about an action in the present tense. could used to talk about an action in the past tense.

Can't help and the verb with the ending -ing is translated as " can't resist...».

• I can't help laughing! This TV show is so funny!- I can't stop laughing! This show is so funny!
• She can't help eating chocolate. She can't help but eat chocolate.

• Ann couldn't help crying. She couldn't hold back her tears.
• Jack couldn't help smiling when he saw her. He couldn't help smiling when he saw her.

Can't but with a simple infinitive of the verb in is translated as " nothing else is left but...».

• I can't but refuse your offer.“I have no choice but to decline your offer.
• She couldn't but ask him about it. She had no choice but to ask him about it.

Can't possibly with a simple infinitive verb translates as " I just can not...».

• I can't possibly do it.“I just can't do it.
• She couldn't possibly marry him. She just couldn't marry him.

To be able to

Expression to be able to(be able) can replace modal verb can meaning the ability or ability to do something. Their difference is that to be able to expresses the ability to perform an action in a particular case, and not the physical or mental ability of a person. However, in the future tense can is always replaced by the expression to be able to, because can does not have a future tense.

• I can play football.- I can (can) play football. (physical ability)

• I 'm able to play football today.– I can play football today. (opportunity)
• I was able to play football last Saturday. I could play football last Saturday.
• I will be able to play football next week. I will be able to play football next week.

Can, could, be able to- it's like employees of one organization called "Opportunity".Can- the president, be able to is his deputy, acould- This lady accountant of venerable age.

Be able to usewhich helps to form the future, the past and convey the subtlest shades of meaning - this is, in fact, a synonym for the verbcan. And a very useful synonym, because in itselfcandoes not have sufficient flexibility to change in different tenses and grammatical aspects.

Modal verbs in general are not particularly prone to change their form, and they often need helpers. For example,must often transfers its functions to "outsourcing" to the verbhave to .

By the way, earlier we have already touched on the inexhaustible topic of modality. For example, here in article, we explored the differencecan from may.

A little about why modal verbs are needed

I play the flute.
I play flute.

Ican play the flute.
I can play the flute.

How are these two phrases different? Of course, the fact that the second has a modal verbcan.

Modal verbsare the words thatmodify, that is, change the meaning of the semantic verb. Most often, they help express ideas of opportunity, intention, obligation, and necessity.

Can verb gives character to other wordspossibilities, feasibility or skills.

By adding can in the sentence " I play the flute,we get the value "ability to play the flute », « ability to play the flute ».

Simply put, I can = I can, I can.

And this is " Can"can be either an innate, natural skill, ability or property given by nature:

birdscan fly.
Birds can fly.

Humanscan make mistakes.
People can make mistakes.

Olgacan be very sweet.
Olya can be very nice.

So is a skill that develops with training, like a learned language or the ability to play the guitar:

Ican speak Japanese, I've been learning this language for 10 years.
I speak Japanese, I have been studying this language for ten years.

Ican't play the flute well enough.
I don't play the flute well enough.

Olja is in the first grade, she can read and write.
Olya is in first grade, she can read and write.

Can is added to the sentence according to the scheme:

In it, S is the subject (the one who performs the action), M is the modal verb, and V is the semantic verb.

In a sentence " Mary can sing "(Mary can sing), Mary - subject, canis a modal verb, andsing- semantic.

Armed with this pattern, you can make a variety of sentences with modal verbs.

Teachers can teach.
Teachers can (can) teach.

Cats can catch mice.
Cats can (know how) to catch mice.

I can watch TV for hours.
I can watch TV for hours.

Can is also used in the following cases:

• When we ask someone for something in an informal setting:

Can you lend me ten dollars?
Can you lend me ten dollars?

• When we talk about plans for the near future:

Wecan go out to the new Italian restaurant for dinner.
We can have dinner at the new Italian restaurant.

We have already said that modal verbs are rather clumsy people. Here is a list of whatcan, How modal verb, cannot do:

• Can doesn't bow to faces.

I must say that in general, when verbs are declined in English, this is expressed in only one thing - they adds in the third person singular:

I sing. (I sing).
She sings . (She sings).

All. No more transformations different faces in English verbs do not call.

So, modal verbs do not change at all. These are conservative verbs.Canin any face will remaincan:

I can dance.
I can dance.

She can dance.
She can dance.

Error: She can dance.

• Can cannot be used with other auxiliary verbs.

For example, to ask a question, you cannot use the verbdo:

Do you play the flute?- wrong.

It should simply be said:

Can you play the flute?
Can you play the flute?

• Can does not attach the ending -ing.

Therefore, the aspect of duration is inaccessible to him. To describe the duration of an action, some other verb is needed.

• Aspectperfect action is also unavailable.

Can does not exist in the perfect. Therefore, one cannot say:

"I have canned"

And you need:

"I have been able" (I could).

• Atcan there are no past and future forms.

This verb simply cannot cope with all tenses alone, therefore it resorts to the help of its “employees” -could and be able to.

Let's dwell on them in more detail.

Can, could, be able to : rulesuse

Let's see how this small team of professionals cope with a variety of grammar tasks.

could

• Is a specialist in the past tense (remember thatcanmakes no sense at all in the past tense).

Imagine couldin the form of an old woman who constantly remembers how everything was before. We can say that she lives in her past:

Icould sleep less when I was young.
I could sleep less when I was young.

Icould walk for miles and miles.
I could walk for miles and miles.

That is, if you need to say about a skill, skill or ability in Past Simple, feel free to use this verb insteadcan.

• couldused when making an assumption, if there is a bit of uncertainty in it:

She is speaking some language. It could be Russian.
She speaks some language. Maybe it's Russian.

• Both verbs - and can, And could, can be used in request:

Can (could) you pass me this glass?
Can you pass me this glass?

Wherein, could(as befits a respectable lady) implies more politeness and formality.

Difference betweencan Andbe able to

At all, be able to is a synonymcan (And could in the past time).

I'able to swim = Ican swim.

Iwas able to swim = Icould swim.

But if canis needed to describe the skills and abilities acquired during life:

Ican sing, I've been studying music for 3 years.
I can sing, I studied music for three years.

That be able to , when it is used in the present tense, it mainly indicates the possibilities that open upVthis moment :

I'mable to sing, my throat doesn't hurt anymore.
I can sing, my throat doesn't hurt anymore.

If could- this is an old woman who thinks only about the past,be able to - energetic business man who manages everything and everywhere.

He can afford what he can't docan- talk about the past, about the future, follow another modal verb and even add an ending -ing.

• Formation of the past tense

To do this, you just need to putto be into the Past Simple form and addable to.

As you remember, wasused for the singular, andwere- for plural.

In the following sentences, try replacingcan on was/were able toto consolidate in practice how the Past Simple is formed:

• Hecan sell his old car. He can sell his old car.

• Theycannot affordable fashionable clothing.

They cannot afford fancy clothes.

Able to : usein future tense

An invariable attribute of the Future Simple, as you know, iswill, which means that it must be placed in front ofbe able to:

Iwill be able to work tomorrow.
I can work tomorrow.

Will yoube able to come to my birthday party?
Can you come to my day party birth?

Try to redo the following suggestions to get the future tense:

• We can handle it.

We can handle it.

• I can type with my eyes closed.

I can type with my eyes closed.

• You can draw.

Can you draw.

Use with another modal verb

Another case whencandoes not cope with his affairs and calls for helpbe able to- when you want in a sentenceuse another modal verb. For example,should(about him in detail ).

You can't say:

"Sheshould can speak French.

"She should be able to speak French."

Instead of can put be able to:

Sheshould be able to speak French.

She must be able to speak French.

• The same with the verb have to »:

Ihave to be able to do this.
I should be able to do it.

• With "may":

Shemay be able to fix it.
She might be able to fix it.

• C "must":

Hemust be able to pass the exam.
He must be able to pass the exam.

• Use in Perfect Tenses

If you want to say something with the verb "to be able" in the Present Perfect, use the scheme:

has/have + been able to + V3

I've been able to translate the text.
I was able to translate the text.

Wehave been able to travel throughout the country.
We were able to travel all over the country.

• Attaching an End-ing.

Since there is no such word ascanning, here again comes into playto be able to.

Ending -ingadded, of course, to the verbbe:

Being able to use a computer makes a big difference.

The ability to use a computer plays a big role.

It is boring and sometimes inconvenient to always use the same word to express some idea. Today we learned in what situations the "colleagues" of the modal verb are usedcan: could- in the past, and be able to- in future tense(and in the past too), as well as in situations where it is necessary to change the form of the verb.

The modal verb can is the most commonly used verb in English. The modal verb Could is a more polite form, but this is not the only difference, and a little later you will learn how can differs from could.
The three main uses of the modal verb "to be able" are the ability to do something, or the lack of ability, also possibility (possibility), permission (permission). However, there are other situations of use that you will learn in this article. The topic is not difficult, but you still have to work hard. After reading the rule to the end, you can do exercises on modal verbs. Let's start!

Rules for the formation of modal verbs can and could

The first thing to remember is that we do not put a particle after modal verbs to. Also, the verb remains in its original form. Meaning can in English - to be able, to be able.
Let's take a look at the education table modal verb in the present tense, that is, in the affirmative, negative and interrogative form, as well as how to use it in short answers.

As you can see, there is nothing difficult, everything works according to the old scheme. Questions with can come first, and in negation, the particle not is added to the modal verb, and do not forget that the abbreviated form is used more often.

Transcription can
Transcription cannot[ˈkænɒt]

Let's look at the table of formation of the modal verb can in the past tense. Take a look at the transcription could- letter L don't pronounce.

The use of modal verbs can and could

Here you will learn when could is used in English and when to use it.
The modal verb can is used to express the following meanings:

• 1. ability

The verb Can expresses the physical or mental ability and ability to perform certain actions. However, if you want to express that an action is in the future, use will be able to .

Examples:

• • Present time reference - Present time:
    - Lukas can read Arabic - Lukas can read Arabic.
  • Past time reference - Past time:
    - Lukas could read Arabic at the age of five - Lukas could read Arabic at the age of five.
    Could you read before you went to school? Did you know how to read before you went to school?
• Future time reference - Future time:
  Can in the future tense changes to will be able to and note that it is used with the to particle.
  - I will be able to write to you from Brazil - I can write to you from Brazil.
  - He will be able to run a marathon - He will be able to participate in the marathon.

The main difference between can and could is that the first is used when we know how to do something in the present, and the second when we knew how to do something in the past.

• Note 1 :

To describe the successful completion of a specific action or specific achievement (especially if it is difficult, requiring some effort) was (were) able to manage or succeeded (in...ing) are used:

- Since the test was difficult, only a few pupils were able to pass it - Since the test was difficult, only a few students were able to pass it.
- I managed to find a really nice skirt in the sale - I managed to find a very nice skirt on sale.
- Phillip has finally succeeded in passing his exams - Philip finally successfully passed his exams.

However, to describe general abilities in the past or a specific action that was not successfully completed, we use could And was/were able to:

- By the time Rita was eleven, she could / was able to speak three languages ​​- By the time Rita was eleven, she could speak three languages.
— They couldn't / weren't able to get tickets for the concert yesterday - They could not buy tickets for the concert.

Can or could are commonly used when we are talking about specific cases with perceptual verbs (feel, see, hear, smell, taste) and mental state verbs (believe, decide, understand):

- I could hear a noise coming from the dining room - I heard noise coming from the dining room.
- I can't understand how to do this exercise - I can't figure out how to do this exercise.

• 2. Possibility - expression of probability .

- You know he can win this competition - You know he can win this competition. (90% sure)
- They could still be at school - They can still be at school. (50% sure)

could + perfect infinitive also used when an action was possible but did not actually happen:

- He could have been killed in the car crash - He could have died in a car accident. (Fortunately, he didn't die.)

• 3. permission .

The modal verb “to be able, be able” is used to give permission only in affirmative sentences or in indirect speech (in accordance with the rules of tense coordination):

- You can pay by your credit card - You can pay by credit card.
- Mother said that I could use her computer - Mom said that I could take her computer.

• 4. request - request.

Modal verb "to be able" used to ask permission or ask people to do something. Used in interrogative sentences and indirect questions.

— Can you put the children to bed? “Could you put the kids to bed?”
- She asked me if she could use my computer - She asked me if she could take my computer.

Verb could used in English to sound more polite, more formal:

Could I try on that dress, please? – Can I try on this dress, please?
Could you lend me your book until tomorrow? Could you lend me your book until tomorrow?

• Note 2 :

There are a few more polite ways that are good to know:

Could I possibly leave the office an hour earlier than usual? Can I leave the office an hour earlier than usual?
— Do you think you could lend me your guitar for the evening? Could you lend me your guitar for the evening?
- I was wondering if you could move your car as it's blocking the entrance to my garage - I wanted to ask if you could move your car, as it blocks the entrance to my garage.

• 5. Prohibition .

In this case, the modal verb "to be able" is used in the negative form, since it implies a refusal to do something. The equivalent of the modal verb "to be able" is not to be allowed to. Into Russian it is necessary to translate words can't, don't:

- You can't sit on the grass - You can't sit on the grass.
- He said that we couldn't take so many things with us - He said that we should not take so many things with us.

• 6. unreality - unreality .

In this case could used in unreal conditional sentences:

- We could have bought a small house with what we spent on our dog and all the things he destroyed - We could buy a small house, but we spent all the money on the dog and what he broke.
— Could you go on business with me if I asked you? “Would you go with me on business if I asked you to?”

• 7. Astonishment - Surprise .

In this meaning modal verbs used only in interrogative sentences (in general questions). They are translated into Russian in the same way: really; can it be that; is it possible that.
Depending on the time can/could in this meaning are used in combination with various forms of the infinitive. The offers below can be used either with modal verb can, or with a modal verb could.

—Could they really be at home? Are they still at home?
Infinitive form - Indefinite

could they be working together? Could it be that they work together?
The infinitive form is continuous.

could she have told you about her promotion? Did she tell you about the promotion?
The infinitive form is Perfect.

could she have been running for four hours? – Can it be that she ran for four hours?
The infinitive form is Perfect Continuous.

The offers below can be used either with modal verb can, or with a modal verb could.

Isn't she/he

• a) :
  Could it be that he hasn't found the book? Has he not found the book?
  Or
  Is it possible that….
• b) different lexical meanings :
  could Sarah be dissatisfied with her marriage? Is Sarah unhappy with her marriage?
  (negative prefix - dis)
  —Could you have told nobody about it? "Didn't you tell anyone about this?"
  (negative pronoun- nobody)
  — could he have never kissed you? Has he never kissed you?
  (negative adverb - never)

• 8. Incredulity, improbability - Distrust, improbability .

Here, the modal verb "to be able" is used only in negative sentences, which are often emotionally charged. In the same way as in the seventh paragraph, can / could be used with various forms of the infinitive. We translate into Russian: it can't be; incredible to; hardly.

She looks so young. She can't/couldn't be thirty yet (= I'm sure she's not thirty) - It can't be that she was thirty years old.
— Sandra couldn't have fixed the computer; it's still not working properly (=I am certain she hasn't fixed it) - It can't be that she fixed the computer, it still doesn't work.

The offers below can be used either with modal verb can't in a negative form, or with a modal verb couldn't.

In Russian, negative questions like - it can't be that she/he doesn't... are expressed in English in different ways:

• a) complex sentences :
  — It couldn't be that he hasn't found the book? “It’s not possible that he didn’t find the book?”
  Or
  — It isn't possible…
• b) negative prefixes :
  — You couldn't dislike it here - It can't be that you don't like it here.

• 9. Supposition implying uncertainty, doubt - An assumption that implies uncertainty, doubt.

The use of the modal verb could in affirmative sentences, it can also acquire the meaning of doubt and assumption. It is translated into Russian with such words as Maybe And May be. In English, it can also be represented using modal words maybe, perhaps, possibly, it's possible. And can be used with various forms of the infinitive. Read the sentences with could and pay attention to the translation:

— Do you know the person talking to Mary? – It could be her manager - Do you know who Mary is talking to? Maybe it's her manager.
— I wonder where Sam is? He could be learning Japanese - I wonder where is Sam? Maybe he is learning Japanese.

• 10. Criticism - Criticism .

Only modal verb could can be used to criticize people. Used in combination with various forms of the infinitive:

— you could ask me before you borrow my dress - You could ask my permission every time you take my dress. (This sentence applies to the present).
— you could have told me you were leaving for the United States - You could tell me that you were leaving for the USA. (This sentence refers to the past tense)

• 11. Emotional coloring - Emotional coloring .

Behind modal verbs Can/could various forms of the infinitive follow in special questions, where they are used to express impatience, bewilderment, and so on.

— How could/can you be so silly, James? How can you be so stupid, James?
What could she be looking for? And what could she be looking for?

Be sure to watch the video on how the modal verb is used in everyday life. In this video, the Americans will say /kænt/ because that's the American pronunciation, if you're into a British accent, the English say /ka:nt/. Write in the comments which accent you like best.

Set phrases with the modal verb can and could

Pay attention to the following set phrases with the modal verb can in English:

a) Cannot or short form (can't) help doing smth. - I can't do anything.

- I couldn't help overhearing what they said - I couldn't help but overhear their conversation.

b) Cannot or short form (can't) but do smth. “There is nothing left for me but…

— I cannot but wonder what I should do next. “I have no choice but to wonder what to do next.

Difference between Can and Be able to

We already talked about this in note No. 1, but let's look at it again in more detail.
Be able to is the equivalent of the modal verb can/could or a synonym. It is known that modal verb "to be able" and be able to used when we talk about the ability to do something. However, there are many situations where we cannot use modal verbs. can or could when we talk about the ability to perform some actions, and in this case we need to use another verb. And one of these verbs is be able to.

In general, be able to and the modal verb "to be able" in the two forms have the same meaning. So you can use any verb without any difference in meaning.

Examples:

- He can speak Spanish very well - He speaks Spanish well.
= He's able to speak Spanish very well.

These sentences have the same meaning.

- You could run much faster when you were younger - When you were younger, you could run faster.
= You were able to run……

And again, the sentences are the same in meaning.

However, we cannot use the modal verb "to be able" in different tenses. If you want to use can in the present perfect, then we must use be able to.

- She's been able to swim since she was three years old - She has been able to swim since she was three years old.

In general, if it is possible to use the verb "to be able" in the past or present form, then it is best to use it, since it is much easier and the sentences do not look so complicated.
Be able to is sometimes used instead of could or the verb "to be able" in the present tense, as it sounds more formal.

Be able to in the past form. Difference Could / was able to

Great, now let's see how to use be able to in the past form.

Let's look at an example:

— The traffic was really bad, but we could catch our train.

Do you think the proposal sounds right? - Of course not.

Why can't we use could in this sentence? Because we can't use could when talking about specific abilities in the past. In this case, we must use be able to in the past form.

- The traffic was really bad, but we were able to catch out train - There were traffic jams on the roads, but we were able to catch the train. Or = we were managed to catch our train….

In both sentences, we are talking about the same moment, the same train. This is a specific, isolated situation and therefore we cannot use could.

Let's look at some more examples:

- It was hard work, but I managed to finish everything on time - It was hard work, but I managed to finish everything on time. = (I finished something specific at a specific moment).
- Our car broke down on the way, but luckily my husband was able to fix it - Our car broke down on the road, but, fortunately, my husband managed to fix it. = (He fixed it at a particular moment).

Mini life hack

Remember, if you are not sure which modal to use, you can always use be able to in all cases and you will never go wrong.
We offer you to download a detailed table with examples, synonymous expressions and translation.

Exercises: can, could, be able to

Having studied the modal verbs can could and having learned the differences between them and the turnover be able to, we suggest you do an online exercise on the topic you have covered.