Modal verbs

When to use CAN or BE ABLE TO for ability

You can use 'can' or 'be able to' to talk about ability, but not always. This article explains when to use 'can' and when to use 'be able to'.

Can

Be able to

Ability

Modal verbs

Auxiliary verbs

Grammar

Performative verbs: when you say a word you do the action the word describes

An apology by Robleto via Flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/grobleto/2651622914

When you use a word like "promise" or "apologise", you are doing the action by just saying the word. In those cases, use the present simple and not the continuous.

Modal verbs

When to use CAN or BE ABLE TO for ability

Performative verbs: when you say a word you do the action the word describes

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Modal verbs

When to use CAN or BE ABLE TO for ability

Performative verbs: when you say a word you do the action the word describes

記事

ブログ