Lesson
*Use can or be able to to talk about ability in the present.
Examples: She can do computer graphics
She's able to do computer graphics
*Use either could or was/were able to to talk about ability(but not a specific achievement) in the past.
Examples:Sam could read when he was four.
He was able to use acomputer too.
--Be Careful:Use managed to or was/were able to to talk about a specific achievement or a single event in the past.
Examples:She managed to delete the virus from her computer.
He was able to fix his computer when it broke down.
*Use either could or was/were able to in negative sentences about past ability.
Examples:I couldn't do spreadsheets
I wasn't able to do one problem.
--For forms and tenses other than the present or past, use be able to.
Examples:Jen wants to be able to write software. (infinitive)
By June she will be able to complete her computer class. (future)
Comments
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Syrian Arab Republic |
Kuwait |
Saudi Arabia |
India |
Tunisia |
Tunisia |
Yemen |
Saudi Arabia |