Can - Could - Be able to

Can/ Could / Be able to

 

There are multiple translatiosn for the Dutch word 'kunnen'. You might be able to tell the difference in the context of the sentence:

I can draw a nice picture of a horse. 

This could be very tricky. 

He's not able to play soccer, due to a broken leg. 

 

Can:

You can use the word 'can' in different situations:

- To show something is possible (very likely to happen)

- To show you have the ability to do something. 

- To show that you are allowed to do something (only in the Present Simple)

 

Could:

You can use the word 'could' in different situations: 

- To show something is possible, although it's not too likely.

- To show that you might be able to do something. 

- As a past tense from 'can'

- To politely ask something. 

 

 

Be able to:

If you use the words 'to be able to', to express that you've mastered a skill, yet you are (not) in the posistion to do so: