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)
- It can be very dangerous to brush the teeth of an alligator.
- It's quite likely, that this is dangerous.
- The rope can snap if the weight is too high.
- It's very likely that the rope will snap once you put on too much weight.
- To show you have the ability to do something.
- I can draw a nice picture of a horse.
- You've 'mastered' this skill, you know how to draw it.
- I can tie my shoelaces
- Someone taught you how to do this, and now you can do it yourself.
- To show that you are allowed to do something (only in the Present Simple)
- I can go out tonight if I come home in time.
- You asked for permission and it's granted.
- She can go to the supermarket after school.
- She may go, at a set time.
Could:
You can use the word 'could' in different situations:
- To show something is possible, although it's not too likely.
- Abseiling from a high cliff could be dangerous if you're not trained well enough.
- It doesn't have to be dangerous, if you're well trained.
- The sun could fall down if the strings aren't attached.
- but that's highly unlikely, right?
- To show that you might be able to do something.
- I could draw this horse, but I'm not quite certain i'd pull it off.
- You're uncertain you have the ability. You're practising, yet you've not yet 'mastered' the skill.
- I could help out, I suppose.
- You are doubting whether to help someone, because you don't have the skills yourself.
- As a past tense from 'can'
- Luckily, I could be of help!
- You helped in the past and you're talking about it in the present.
- I couldn't find my dress, so I came in a suit.
- You weren't able to find something in the past.
- To politely ask something.
- Could you pass me the salt, please?
- You're asking a question during a fancy dinner.
- Could I speak to your supervisor, please?
- You're asking politely whether you can see a supervisor.
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:
- I'm not able to ride a bike, since I broke my leg
- You still know how to ride your bike, but you can't do it now.
- She was able to get out when she was locked in.
- Normally you'd know how to go outside, but now it was more complicated. She had to find another way to get out