## 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