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Anonymous Posted 18 years ago
Grammar
can and be able to...
Hi folks,
What's the difference between can and be able to ?
I can't see much of a difference to be honest... I would appreciate if you could clearly enumerate all the differences.
Thanks,
What's the difference between can and be able to ?
I can't see much of a difference to be honest... I would appreciate if you could clearly enumerate all the differences.
Thanks,
Top answer
There often isn't any difference. However, you cannot use 'can' to talk about a future ability. e.
- There often isn't any difference.
- However, you cannot use 'can' to talk about a future ability.
- e.
- ) There is a difference in meaning and usage when the past forms are used.
- 'Could' is used to refer to general ability in the past whereas 'was/were able to' would be used to talk about something that was possible to do at one specific time in the past.
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1 Answers
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There often isn't any difference. However, you cannot use 'can' to talk about a future ability. Instead, you must use 'be able to' (i.e. will be able to, going to be able to, etc.)
There is a difference in meaning and usage when the past forms are used. 'Could' is used to refer to general ability in the past whereas 'was/were able to' would be used to talk about something that was poss
There is a difference in meaning and usage when the past forms are used. 'Could' is used to refer to general ability in the past whereas 'was/were able to' would be used to talk about something that was poss
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