Differbetween
be able to for ability If we say "I am able to swim", it is like saying "I can swim". We sometimes use be able to instead of "can" or "could" for ability. Be able to is possible in all tenses - but "can" is possible only in the present and "could" is possible only in the past for ability.
- Can we use can and able together?
- Was able to VS could?
- What is the difference between may be and can be?
- Would you be able to VS could you?
Can we use can and able together?
This usually gets spoken in Indian English, however as per the Standard English the use of “Can” and “Be able” together is not valid. Moreover, able to is not a verb but part of an adjectival phrase, henceforth, requires a verb; but as it's adjectival that verb is be, not can.
Was able to VS could?
When talking/writing about past ability you can use 'could' or 'was/were able to' in order to discuss an ability that existed for a long time, but now no longer exists. ... But you should only use 'was/were able to' with action verbs to talk about an ability related to a single event or incident in the past.
What is the difference between may be and can be?
"Can" simply means that the observation is possible. There is no reason for it to happen, but it is a possibility. In this context, it doesn't give any indication that the observation is likely to happen. "May" is more direct.
Would you be able to VS could you?
The most proper way to use these words is to use "could" if you're not sure if the person is able to do something. ... If you know the person is capable of doing what is asked, then it's better to use "would".
