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Modal verbs of ability specifically focus on a person’s capability or capacity to do something. They indicate whether someone can or cannot perform a particular action. The main modal verbs of ability are “can,” “could,” and “be able to.”
1. Can
The modal verb “can” is used to express general ability or capability in the present or future. It indicates that someone has the skill or capacity to do something. For example:
- I can swim.
- She can play the piano.
- They can speak French.
The negative form of “can” is “cannot” or its contraction “can’t.” These forms indicate the inability or lack of capacity to perform a specific action. For example:
- He cannot drive a car.
- We can’t solve this problem.
2. Could
The modal verb “could” is used to express past ability or capability. It suggests that someone had the skill or capacity to do something in the past. For example:
- When I was younger, I could run very fast.
- She could speak German fluently.
Like “can,” the negative form of “could” is “could not” or “couldn’t.” These forms indicate the lack of ability or capacity in the past. For example:
- I couldn’t ride a bicycle when I was a child.
3. Be Able To
The phrase “be able to” is used as a substitute for “can” or “could” in certain situations. It has the same meaning as these modal verbs of ability. “Be able to” can be used in various tenses and forms to express ability. For example:
- I will be able to attend the meeting tomorrow.
- They are able to solve complex equations.
The negative form of “be able to” is created by adding “not” after “able.” For example:
- She won’t be able to come to the party.
4. FAQs about Modal Verbs of Ability
Yes, modal verbs of ability are used to talk about a person’s skills or talents. They indicate whether someone can perform a specific action or has the capacity to do so.
“Can” and “be able to” have similar meanings and can often be used interchangeably. However, “be able to” allows for more flexibility in terms of tenses and forms.
No, “could” is primarily used to express past ability. To express present ability, it is more appropriate to use “can” or “be able to.”
The three main modal verbs of ability are “can,” “could,” and “be able to.” While there may be some other verbs that express ability in specific contexts, these three are the most commonly used ones.
Yes, modal verbs of ability can be used in questions to inquire about someone’s capability or capacity. For example: “Can you swim?” or “Could she speak English?”
No, modal verbs of ability remain the same for all subjects. They do not change based on the subject of the sentence.
