Ability of modal 'could' to denote abillity

Question

Hi,I think it is wrong to say we can use the modal "could" to denote ability although the modal "can" be used as such like in "We can play soccer well. I think it is correct to say we can use "would" to denote past ability like in "He endured so he could play soccer with us."

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

AnonymousI think it is correct to say we can use "would" to denote past ability ~~like~~ as in "He endured so he could play soccer with us."

This is essentially incomprehensible. You are talking about giving an example with would, and then you give an example that does not contain would.

CJ

Anonymous · Answer

Sorry, let me rewrite it, reflecting your corrections and putting a quotation mark in one, so that it may be clear.

Hi,
I think it is wrong to say javascript:void(0) use the modal "could" to denote ability although the modal "can" be used as such as in "We can javascript:void(0) well." I think it is correct to say we can use "could" to denote past ability like in "He endured so he could play soccer with us."

So, the question is, "When we use the modal "could," the ability we can use it denote is in the past and not in the present although the modal "can" be used for that purpose?"

CalifJim · Answer

AnonymousI think it is wrong to say we can use the modal "could" to denote ability

Why do you think it is wrong? Naturally, you need something in the context to cue the reader to the past, but other than that, could certainly is used to denote ability in the past.
When Jack was ten years younger, he could lift 200 pounds; not anymore. [He used to be able to lift 200 pounds.]
Ten years ago I could not speak English; now I can.

Anonymouswe can use "could" to denote past ability ~~like~~ as in "He endured so he could play soccer with us."

That's not really past ability. It doesn't mean ... so (that) he used to be able to play soccer with us. It means ... so (that) he would be able to play soccer with us.

AnonymousWhen we use the modal "could," the ability we can use it denote is in the past and not in the present although the modal "can" be used for that purpose?

It's not clear what you're saying can can be used for -- the past or the present. But maybe that's not relevant. Here are some basics that may clear up some of your confusions:
can is used for the present and for the future of the present.
I can walk for hours without tiring out.

I can meet him tomorrow.

I'm saving my money so I can buy a new coat. [so that I will be able to buy a new coat]
If I save my money, I can buy a new coat.

_______

could is used for the past and for the future of the past.

[When I was young / Last year] I could walk for hours without tiring out. [ I used to be able to walk ...]
(I said that) I could meet him the next day. [ (I said that) I would be able to meet him ...]

I was saving my money so I could buy a new coat. [so that I would be able to buy a new coat]
If I saved my money, I could buy a new coat.

_______
could is also used for the subjunctive of can in if clauses.
If I can reach that high, I will get the sugar from the shelf for you. [If I am able to reach ...]
If I could reach that high, I would get the sugar from the shelf for you. [If I were able to reach ...]
_______
could cannot be used to show the past success of a past attempt, but could not can be used to show failure.
I tried to catch the ball, and I could. (Wrong.)
I tried to catch the ball, and I was able to. (Correct.)
I tried to catch the ball, but I could not. (Correct.)
I tried to catch the ball, but I was not able to. (Correct.)
_______
could is also used in present time for politeness.
Can you hand me the hammer? Could you hand me the hammer?
(Are you able to hand me ...? Would you be able to hand me ...?)
CJ

Anonymous · Answer

Wow. wow. With that responses, you got two "wow's" from me. It is very detailed, I might say, but I need more time to digest. Thank you.

CalifJim · Answer

Thanks. Two wows are better than one, but one would have been sufficient!

CJ

Ability of modal 'could' to denote abillity

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