Expressing ability with CAN, COULD, BE ABLE TO

I think it’s good, I’m watching again :)
thans Alex ..

Reem

Krystal clear! “Be able to” refers to specific events in the past and can be used to express present or future events as well.

Regards

Regino

Oh, Gosh!!! Making mistakes as always . . .

I wanted to make my meaning CRYSTAL clear ,

but . . . this happened.

Regino

thanks mr/alex

kotoz

really it’s very good, thinks

amine

Hi Alex it’s really very good vedio..i like your all lesson..and your teaching metod is very good.

Akhilesh.kr

Really its great and intresting.

I lone it.

Thanks a million.

Mohammed Osman Khan
Riyadh,Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia.

mohammed soman

;-( its difficult

ptgirl1981

this is not too difficult if you try to understand it with all your effort.If you don´t understand it watch the video again.

adal

Hi Alex Its really very important for us who is learning
I could watch hundred time .. Or I can watch onetime for day

I don’t give up

see you Alex

thanks

Alex

Hi alex

Very nice lesson and interesting too. It’s was very useful to me.

Thank you

raul

good evening Sir,

I like your lesson. But i wonder how i can distinguish clearly their usage.

Can you do me a favour, Sir? i have a question. Can you use conversation to teach advanced grammar?

Please give me a hand at once.

i hope to hear from you soon.
Thanks Sir,

thanhlan

I should have some new grammar lessons soon. Thanks for watching.

Alex

Hi
I am very to watch your video and I learn alot from it…

snavi

Um hi I am new and I got all correct after seeing some videos I had finial not being shy and learn English much faster. Thanks you very much. I will invite more people to come to websit.

edlesstao

Hi, Alex

Thanks you so much, that it help me alot to understand English.

Thanks again,

First.

First

thanks alex for the lesson

ichan

I could understand the lesson,can you Alex to say more about be able to?
Thanks a lot Alex!

Reynaldo

I got 100% in the quiz, but I can’t catch the idea about the last sentence I was able to win the spelling bee but not I could win the spelling bee. And what is spelling bee?

Alena

Hi Alena,

A spelling bee is a competition where people test their spelling skills.

You must say “I was able to” because winning the spelling bee was a very specific achievement in the past. Here are some more examples:

“I was able to win the race.”
“They were able to beat the other team.”
“We were able to finish the test on time.”

If it is something specific that you completed, you must use “be able to.” You only use “could” in the past when talking about your ability to do something. Here are some examples:

“I could read at the age of five.”
“My friends could speak English before me.”

Again, you can always use “be able to” for the examples above as well, but you can’t always use “could” if you’re talking about a very specific achievement.

Alex

Thanks a lot. I am also clear now. Excellent explanation with good example.

mahedee

Yes, now I get it too :)

liz333

Yeah, your video is very short to explain to me understand the last sentence.
So, with your above answer make me understand more
Thank you so much!
See you.

lionelvu

Thanks Mr Alix

salmane400

Oh, now I get it!

I did not understand this as well, but the new examples and the explanation helped a lot. My question is if this works for the future too. For example, “I will be able to win the contest if I study harder.”

Besides, if I say “I could help you with that tomorrow, if you want” is wrong? I am not sure, but I guess I heard something like that before.

Thanks for the lesson!

Dave

hi sir,
why you said”we are able to finish the test on time” and not said”we are able to finish the test on the time” ? there is different?!

3bdallah

thank alot

hoangtran

Cool. Thank you.

Коля

thank you very much sir….

Krishanthan

hi alex that was a great lesson. i have a request can you please explain to me the difference about the words DO and DOES ca you give some example. thanks and more power to engvid.

erwin

hi how r you this is a good lesson

sohail amin

Thank alex, and the reply to Alena’s answers, complete this clearly lesson. You’re very good professor !

Raulo

Thank you very much…

Can I use able to in futur.

Examples:I am able to test tomorrow.

Thanks a lot Alex!

kalanaza

“I’m always able to finish my homework during the mornings.” I’m also thinking like you and this makes sense to me. I hope I’m not confusing anybody’s mind.

Edwin P. I.

you can say

I will be able to take test tomorrow

navin

thank you
tell me about the form of verb we use with can,could and able to.

ujen

Thank you Alex

Seungho

Thanks Alex!

Useful lesson.

This is definitely a great site to learn English! :)

Alessandro

thanks a lot alex!!!

chiro01

Hi Alex,

Is this correct?
–I wasn’t able to come online yesterday because…

Thank you..

mayumee07

Thank you.

Neelam777

Thanks a lot Alex!!Useful lesson

sultan23c

Thanks. Your explanations are clear and simple.

Liuba from Russia

Hi ALEX,
I just wonder.What is the difference in meaning between. can and be able to when we use them.
thanks.

akram

Hi Alex Your videos are very nice. thanks
very much for videos & these are helping me a lot.

reena

Thanks allot Alex it is very helpfull

osama

hmm.. interesting! i like this. tnx 4 diz.. :))

hyemi

It’s very good but I’ve still confused using ” be able to ” and ” able to ” could u plz explain me more? Thank u for advance

Khone

I have a suggestion about the quiz. In question number 3 the sentence tells me to use one of the options for the future, but I paid attention to the sentence and it says only “morning” not “tomorrow morning” nor “tomorrow in the morning” for future. I think I’d rather use “Will be able to” for future. What about “I can do my homework in the morning”? Is this how we should refer to the future? I’d rather say, “I can finish my homework tomorrow morning.” :)

Edwin P. I.

thanks lot it was amazing and helped me a lot to clear my doughts once again thansk a lot

meghaluhar

thank alex u are good teacher realy its easy and useful lesson byeeeeeee

dody

Great! I am looking for different structure of english language like could, should, can’t help & so many others. Could you please help me out in this regards……………..Hats off, you are really one of the greatest teacher in your team.

arshad14114

i was not much more different than the other grammars that i knew

Milad

thanks!! your video help me

bernardo brazil

Thanks for the lesson,but I couldn’t catch up the last.

CRAZY

Thank you Mr.Alex,
it is very useful to all beginners.

SARAVANAN

that’s really a good way to learn english more perfectly.

ali

hey man how are u thanks a bundle

kookoo

Hi Alex
Thanks for all these useful lessons.

Suzi

Thanks Sir Alex for lesson.

Hamid from Pakistan

Are ”be able to” only use when winning somethig(specific achievement)??
Your example
i am able to drive.
i also can use ”i could&can drive ”.Am i right ??
”Be able to”can use same as can & could ??

LiangZz

Thank you

davidshin

Hei thanks for the lesson but i would like to add pronounciation of regular verbs ed

ibrahim

THANKS ALEX

idris

Very good lesson,thanks Alex.It helps me a lot with my english learning.

valdimirogarcia

Hi Alex,
Can you do a favour for me? Can you suggest some points to be followed while attending an interview? I know my question is irrelevant to this topic, but I don’t know any other source to communicate with you other than this. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

mini

This is a good idea! I will keep it in mind for a future lesson. I am sure that there are many other people who have similar questions, especially about Western culture and how to act in an English interview.

Alex

This is a very clear lesson and helpful. Thanks, Alexs.

kelly

hi teacher can u tell slowly because when u speak quickly i can not understand thanks u

myatthu

Hi myatthu,

I will try to speak slower for beginners. Thanks for the comment.

Alex

Hi Alex I want to ask question : does could in this lesson means used to? if not why?…………and I have another question in this sentence “there used to be people in the house” so in tag question cold I say “didn’t there?” if not why?………and thank you very much because you are really excellent teacher keep it up.

leelian

Hi leelian,

“used to” talks about past habits or behaviours that you did over a period of time. “Could” just talks about a general ability you had at one point in your life.

“I used to read novels” and “I could read novels” have very different meaning. The first sentence means that you had a habit of reading novels, but that you probably don’t read novels anymore. The second sentence means that you had the ability to read novels, but that you no longer have the ability. As you can see, the meanings here are very different.

Alex

Oh! and that I don’t understand!
I thought I was not so stupid,but now I doubt it….. ((

masha7

thanks sir for your comment

arshad

thank you alex

nadiaazam

this is a very clear lesson.

genovaite

hi Alex how are you ?
can you give me a lesson about adjective,adverb,noun and verb .because i Found it hard . very much . what about your opinion Alex ?
please Alex replay me .
buy buy buy .

nadiaazam

Good day sir Alex your quizzes are all good and you really think about it before you post it here. I hope you understand my english kindly correct it and i will appreciate it. this comment is also my practice. Thanks a lot.

Ryan

its supereb

mujahid

its nice

mujahid

Dear Alex! If you have the text of your lesson, could you send it on my e-mail – vadimchan[ a t ] mail [ d o t ] ru, if you want and please.

Vadim

Hi, Alex. It’s so splendid to be in communication with you. But I wanna ask you, which is correct:
No problemS or No problem? And why?

Thank you for your reply!

Vadim

hi Alex, well this is really good.
thankyou

qurat

sir ur method of teaching is so cool

aqeel

Thanks! I’ve never heard that before!

Alex

THE WAY YOU DELIVER THE WORD.ITS SELF IS AMAGING
BECAUSE OF LEARNED A lot thank alex and your friends tooooooooooooo
god bless you
from vinod yadav
i generally show my students your videos to teach english them

vinod

thank you alex

ajamal25

IT’s Really good

saba

i still comfusing these words: work, task, job, so Mr Alex,can you make the lession talk about them, okay?

hoatpvdo

hmm. i still don’t understand…’able to’..is about past or future?or it can be use both…and when to use was or were or be when to say able to..

nijunggi

Hi nijunggi,

You can use “able to” in the past, present, and future.

“I was able to read when I was 5 years old.”
“I am able to read.”
“I will be able to drive a car next year, when I am 16.”

“Can” is only for the present, and “Could” is only for the past, when talking about ability.

Alex

Nice teacher.i like your examples.
thanks for helping us.

neha29

why is difficult?

ali

Hi Alex!
I would like to ask you about this sentence
I am sorry for being late in writing to or for writing to you.
Thank u

bluesky123

You are gr8 (great) teacher!!!!

claudiotcjr

sir how i wish we were just neigborhood ur magnifico!!!!

korina

Alex, please do the lesson “When to use ‘ly’ ending at the end of adjective!” For example beautiful-beautifully, slow-slowly etc.

Mark

Hello.
thanks you very much, I´m improving in my english too much,thanks Alex.

ivandario1992

Hi,Alex…….fantastic

Magray

help me guys,

where and hen do I use have been, has been, had been…

thnx…..

rgen

Hi rgen,

Use “have been” and “has been” with the present perfect tense, which is usually used to talk about life experience.

“I have been to China.”
“She has been to many concerts.”

It changes from “have” to “has” depending on the subject. Remember, third person subjects are followed by “has” and not “have.”

You can also these two forms with the present perfect continuous/progressive tense.

“I have been sitting on my computer for three hours.”
“He has been studying for thirty minutes.”

“Had been” is similar, except that you use it with the past perfect, which is considered the past in the past.

“I had been angry at my friend for a long time, but she bought me a nice gift and we made up.”
“We had been at the club for three hours before the music started to get good.”

I hope this helps!

Alex

thanks for your explication,you are very clear .you help me a lot.

lostdel

hi ,how are you doing ,iam really takling and my hart it want to get out for its funny , becouse iam writing to the best teacher is alex,well iam feeling great at english , but i changed , iam still not as already,watever i cant handle my selfe. ican lesten music english,exactly english of amreca in first it seems to me harder but with time, i start undestanding anything , but i woukd love to get more with your teach,and i shoud be patient for get better,please following in this way ,you are doing great with us thank you for all things

kanal kamilo

Sorry Alex can’t get understand your last explication about the phrase I was able to win the spelling bee. I can use could in this frase.

lostdel

hi very good lesson and clear thankyou.

Alex

Hi Alex Thanks for good lesson and explanation

Mr.Ali

thanks a lot Mr alex is the lesson very great

hajaj1403

hi alax i don’t know how to use prepositon.will teach me how to use prepositon?

mazreen

Hello Alex, it realy amazing for me
I could not have taken an idea from any where befor watching this video
Thanks

yaseenlikerose

thank…Alex.It’s so awesome lesson

MRBOOMBA

plz tell me if this sentence is right
one has broken his arm or their arm

ammaraklan

hi alex..thanks for the great lesson i’m just have something to clarify.. of using can could and be able to ..for example my friend asking me to hang out with here.but i can’t because i have something to do.should i use sorry i couldn’t go out with you or..sorry i can’t be able to go out with you..

reahyang11

Hi Alex
Your lessons are excellent for me.I can speak english, but for example – I used in every situation can and I never distinguished:can,could,may and (do u mind, if I borrow your book). You are very sympatic and you have very good feeling for teach-interpret and you cover all the bases which are exactly formulate and explained. You mean for me very big help in my study.Thank you Alex.Anna (czech)

annarchy

Hello Alex.. I’m very happy..Because it i s very help full in my poor English Knowledge……Thanks…

Dilshan

i can’t open the quiz :(

donduong

thank a lot ขอบคุณมาก

pepsaa

thank you very much ขอบคุณมากๆๆๆ

pepsaa from thailand

thank you so much. This is very good.

yurie

I tried to understand,but i could not(<-! :))…
for which this expression "be able to"? test I went good, but it does not matter… I think.

masha7

“be able to” means the only chance some of their capabilities?

masha7

Thanks Alex alot,this lesson is good

lnguyen

Great work man … thanx..!!

suraj

your a good teacher.
thank you

Sulaiman

Beautiful explanation teacher, you keep the quality of your lessons

thanks for your help

MRS

Thanks !:)

Roa'a

What’s the difference between to wear and to use?

julima

Thank you very much sir.

vanathi

Thank you so much,It is very simple
^_^
I hope more quiz

Maha Ki

Very simple

David Precillas

alex is the best mate,nobody is better than alex

rahul

i like you Alex! And i can understand you easily.
thanks!

MUHAMMAD RAFAQAT

Thank you Alex!..it was a very good lesson.

P.s. There should have more question at the end. Isn’t? :)

elayne79

One of the simplest lessons!!!

souleymane

You can explain very simply! I was able to understand this Lesson! It is win for me! Thank a Lot!

zhykina3

hi Alex How are you?
I’m very glad to wacth your video lesson cos it can explain me a lot of grammer.
thanks.

Noeb

thank you alex.i am algerian iunderstand alot of thing.:)

chayma

alex all your lessons are very useful interesting please make lessons about all modal verbs and how to use all their forms I want to learn all details of these verbs thanks a lot for your very important lessons

nia10

hi teacher alex!!,,
i would like to learn more about english in now im here in canada for work and ofcoure i want to settle my family here….what can u recommend me to make good or right english speaker?…what and where can i start to be a great/good speaker? which part of speech that could be able to study? its ok for me to start as a beginner…. i grab this opportunity to learn more from you…..your so great teacher… may god bless you more…..this is my email: euly_09@yahoo.com,,,,thnk you so much

ulysses

hi Alex firstly i would like to thank you for this wonderful lesson .
ALEX i have a query about using could in present tense , suppose some one ask me ” can you help me making some food ” and my ans would be i could help you if you give me some money ”
i don’t know if i am right or wrong but from my point of view the question and the answer both are in the present tense .so i am confused whether to use these type of sentences or not, or there is a possibility that the sentences i have used could be wrong .
pleas help !!!!!!!

Akshay

hey sir! thanks 4 lesson …..but i don’t understand “could” means when to use it.
Is it only used with past tense or are there some exception ..so please may u explain it a little more.
thanks

priya

hi sir! thanks 4 the lesson..it’s really good.i don’t understand the use of “COULD”.my question is that is it only used to express past abilities or there are some exception?
i have heard that it can be used with future abilities.Is it correct.
please explain it(could) a little more.i’m really confused.
thanks

pm2011

YES Teacher, thanks, now i watching , very good explanation , now i can improve my engish , GOD BLESS U

ABDUL

thank you

marwa

I love your lesson. It’s very interesting. Thanks.

kent

i love to watch the videos and i am very happy because of this i can improve my English i love all the teacher

payal

Alex tu sei un bravo insegnante (you are a very good teacher)

Andre, an Indonesian, stay in Rome

Andre

Hi Sir Alex, One more thing would like to ask you that how to improve accent in English I want to learn British, American accent please do let me know about the same will wait for your kind reply?thnx faisal Khan from India

khanf

teaching this topic is really challanging using inductive technique

priwanti yudianti

Thank you very much, Alex, from Russia with love :)

larchik0104

interesting teaching type thnak you (Sri Lanka)

priyantha

the lesson was interesting and helpful

i love it

thank alex

memo

Why sometime when we talk about present we use could for example. Could you give me your pen please???
Thanks

Zmary

Thank Alex,
Your lesson is very educational. Terrific!

Cheers,

leo

good afternoon sir,it is my first day to see your video ….i am understand all you teach. but sir when i go in front of crowd and to speak in english i forget and have fearness..may plese help me

sandy

alex you are the best teacher,,,please say hi for me

liliana

It would be better for me if you didn’t write “blank” questions on the board

anon

Sir I have a doubt..I have heard that Could is used for past ability that we can’t do now.eg. I could climb the tree when i was a child…(that I could n’t now.).and my question is , Can we say…” I could reach in office before 10 a.m.”..mean to say I was able to reach in the office before 10 a.m ….please reply me

anju

Great work Alex , really it’s helpful.

Hassan

thank u 4 ur ————-

ajeesh

so we can never use “can” in the future ?

eliseasitis

Q; Can use 4 ability if v say that i can’t see. it meanz r ability finished 4 few time? i think ability can not be finish 4 few time and after few time it come back automatcally. lol
I listen 4om some where, in this case v should use needn’t instead of can’t , is it true?
i m w8ing ur reply. if i made mistake in grammar plz check it out.

Mehwisk Khan

Thanks Mr Alex

med1

Thank you

god

it could help me..:)
ur lesson can improve my knoledge…
i am able to know how to use those words…:)
love u alex….muuuahhh
you are my GURU

dina123

nice lecture!
thanks! Alex!

heerakkim

sir! whats the exect meaning of literally?

misswow

“Literally” means according to the plain meaning of the words—it’s the opposite of “figuratively” (like a a figure of speech or an idiom). For example, “I have butterflies in my stomach” doesn’t mean someone literally has insects inside them; it means “I’m feeling anxious”.

However, people commonly use “literally” as an intensifier to emphasize what they’re saying — for example, There is literally nothing left. It would mean the same thing without “literally”, but it gets someone to pay more attention to what you are saying.

We even use “literally” as an intensifier when we are using a figure of speech. So if someone says “I literally have butterflies in my stomach” they probably just mean they are really, really anxious…unless you have just seen them eating a butterfly, that is!

engVid Moderator

very informative and explanatory. Tnx

amir1977

Thanks, Alex.
Awesome!

allana19

thankxxxxxxxxxx ………..alex.

ryan01

Thank you alex. Best regard

Jorge

thank for teacher Alex!

lequyentuananh

my score 75% thanks

rabbani

Thanks Alex…i got 4/4

Thnks alex It humble me a lot these of kinds lesson you have ever made. more power

Nick

Try visiting the site using Firefox or Chrome!

engVid Moderator

Thank Alex.

Vicky

Hi alex since i’ve got this site its really helpful for me however i’ve don spoken and written english as well as i’ve been studing subject coures at TAFE but still i have a bit of hassles about grammer so i’m trying to complete it from this site and the end i have to say thank you for waste your time for us
thanks again mate
Ali (Australia)

ALIMIMAAR

sir i didnt get the last sentence..I was able to win the spelling bee..can u explain me more ?

Mali

Very Nice Lesson Sir, now i am able to make sentence with confidence.. I like to watch your lesson so much.. thanks you once again…Please Upload More More Lesson which will good for us..

ranjit

Thank you for all lessons .

patrice

Hi Alex,
thank you for your lesson. I have a big doubt about COULD. I mean… I always used it to indicate the possibility in the future tens too. I coud marry me (maybe, I don’t know if I do it). I hope you can understand my question and give me your point of viene about it. Thank you in advance. Luca

lt74

in the test there is a question but ı can’t understand it i thing its 3 question.It writes future and you say could.Why?

ebirce9

Got 4/4. Thanks, Sir!

chanchal17

My first time here, and I think that you are great guys! I’ll keep learning with you. Thanks a lot!

Nathi

Hi, Alex! Thanks for this lesson.
I have just watched this video and I have a question, I can say I was not able to catch the bus but I can not say I couldn’t catch the bus am I right?

apolischuk85

Thanks Allex for such good explanation …everything understood…

argenis

Hi Alex,
What’s the different between these senteces? Please help!

1. I was able to read when I was 5 years old.
2. I could read when I was 5 years old.

Thanks Alex.

Ken

Hi Ken!
These 2 sentences are correct and they have the same meaning. If you have any other questions write me at my email: a.polischuk85@gmail.com

apolischuk85

Thank you so much!

Ken

Thanks Alex

aruzikulov

Thanks for your lesson. Can you give us a procession? I think it will be better for us.

Minh Vu

rohit843

thank u

ciloa

thanks alex… your video lesson about english tutorial are so … i want to read more to enhance my own knowledge specially using english grammar.. thank you..

jennybartido

Thank you Mr. Alex. Have a great day.

vincent27

This lesson is very useful, how to others, thanks. :)

anards

thanx alex.

meaad

Thaks Alex. There is no more doubt about as use; can, could and mainly able to.
I watched all Emma´s videos, now I will see yours.
Thanks again.

julio31

Thanks

iraqrose

This is really good. I always used it wrong.
Alex, you are the 1st teacher that make me understand about grammar.

monnomsods27

I love your classes.Thanks a lot.

asdumbasanoyster

thanks sir

sudhakarreddy.goluguri

Thank you very much

bummia

thank you very much alex

farhad2008

i like if you have any english grammar books please send me on my email asadullahhakro@yahoo.com

asas

Thanks, Alex! You are the best! Nice explanation!

natarovno

Thank you so much for these very useful lessons Sir Alex. It really helps me a lot. God Bless:)

mskuletzzz

I had watch your 24 videos about grammar for beginners. I usually post comments for the last video. Again thank you so much!

mskuletzzz

My doubts about “Able to” is over!!!
Alex obrigado!( thank you in Portuguese)

Edilson

thank you Alex !

OliviaJCL

Hi Alex,
thanks a lot for your lesson.
I think EngVid helps me very much and my English is better and better
take care

cep62

Excellent explanation with good example.Thank you

azdin87

I just want to thank you Alex and the rest of the teachers on engvid. Continue to bless the world using your gifts in teaching. God bless !

rubilyn

I confius about be able to

ainaa

My names is sebas.. There are 3 things, i can play videogames. i could eat a apple,i can run in the street, I cant sleep in the day. I cant play instruments, I cant go to the forest

SebastianXD

My name is Maya, I can draw,I can sing, I can dance K-pop, I can’t dance salsa, I can’t cook, I can’t speak chinese.

Acosta

My name is Ariadna. I can see movie, I can read and listen to music. I could jump.

AriadnaRodriguez

My name is Rosario, I can swim in the smming pool, I can do tricks on the bike, I can the cook.
I can’t get on a skateboarding, I can’t cook, I can’t roon

rosariogaucin

My name is Marcelo, I’ll able to speak English fluenty until the final of 2015!

Thanks a lot for this lesson Alex, You are a great teacher!

Marcelo Matos

thanks you :)

kwaldhrami

Thank Alex very much…

muaxuan86

So, cool!

mjmedeiros

Can i ask you a question, please? There isn’t any difference between “can” and “be able to” in the present and future tense? i mean that we can use both in any case?

susan120294

im very happpy i got 100

dilshad anwar

It is will be very great if you could add more examples in the Quiz.

inteo

Thanks, Alex

Tchin Shi

hi, every one, I am a teacher in technologie if someone would some english conversation, I am ready on facebook, first there is my e-mail Moez_be@yahoo.fr, i expect your message, thanks

moezbesbes

i like it !

cubangermany

hi Alex.thanks a lot.you really helped me by your speed of speaking while i was at the beginning of learning.i am waiting for another nice lesson of you.
i wish all the best for you

kami88

I do not understand the last question of Quize

Ningjing

Thank you.

Nadir

thank a lot

chamikara

ı got 4/4 ı understand (able to for past and for future but ı couldnt understand when we use present,when we prefer able to…pls tell me when I have to use able to

yurrec ader

O Yes i got 4/4 ;)

Usman Ghani

Thank you!

Nao Tsuboya

Great i got perfect 4 in this quiz .It`s awesome.

isameyaki

i like it.thank you..

Rebolt paslein

Thank you Alex for helped me, i’m so glad.

Kayk Carvalho

Not bad. Thank you so much Alex

juvenusa c. kabingue

I feel like no one really says “I am able to swim”. When people talk about physical ability, they always use “can”….?? I am a bit confused because I think that’s how I learned the difference between CAN and BE ABLE TO in high school. I am sure it is not wrong to say “I am able to swim”, but do people usually use this form?

Sayaka.S

great lesson :)

smilypeep4

100 percent thanks Alex

trainhard4060

thanks .. you are great

mourad.91

Thank you.

phamquynhanh

Dear Alex;
Thank you so much for your interesting lessons. Can and could are used to talk about the ability for doing something in the present and future. But when we use ” was able to” or”could”. I think we use could when we talk about the whole ability to do something, and “was able to” when we managed to do something in one situation by chance.For example ,yesterday there was afire in my house,and my young daughter was able to scape from the window.

Ameen Alhomaidi

Does could the past forme of can?

adilou

Thanks Alex. It’s very useful when there are describing reason for any question. Any questions should available reason.

mgh

thanks Alex! but i have a question! we can use “be able to” in past, present and future right? so why will i know i should say “be able to” or “can” if i speak in present?!

Dandash

hello

I wanna to know
when can I use “can” and “be able to” ? and what’s the diffirent between them?

FaTima19933

Thanks for lesson

www.daminn.kg@mail.ru

Thank you so much, like always very useful.

Marta Lopez

I’d like to have the ability to speak English very well.
If I should study English hard, I will be able to speak English very well some day.
Until then, I’ll keep going.

Young Kyung Lee

I can speak english (future)ha ha ha
Thanks teacher~~

iloveTARU@@

Hahaha nice try, 1 mistake :))

Patrick R.

Hi Alex. First of all let me apologise for commented on this “old” video. Maybe SO already pointed this out, but can’t COULD also be used in future as in “I could help you tomorrow if you promise to buy me a drink”?. Thanks & greets from Argentina.

marcelomiguelbazan

Thank you alex.. It is very useful…

Elmer Merino

For Q4 can we also say “I am able to do my homework tomorrow” (as well as I can do my homework tomorrow).

Elif1975

Thanks

Barkha29

Hi Alex, I like your teaching style.I want to know,can we use WILL BE ABLE TO for prediction?
I hope, she will be able to win the race.
I hope, she will win the race.

dlis

thank alexty great lesson

mdemir471

Hello Alex!
How are you? I hope, you will fine.
Actually I want to ask a question, You said “could” use in the past, but mostly people use this in the present,even you also use this word in the present like; you could say” . I have a major difficulty with this world, please solve my problem

Zaryab Ali

I got 3/4. Thanks for the lesson!

robi75

Hello Alex ! could is used in conditional too? and when people say : ” Could you tell me….? could you give me …? is this wrong?

Hiligali

Dear Alex….Thanks for such wonderful sessions/lessons. I am delighted to share that I have completed the ‘intermediate’ level. lesson on idioms and phrasal verbs reinforcement will be done before this weekend:))) Thank you very much!!!

Sakhi fouzia

hi alex, you said a phrase, “as morbid as”, what is it mean. can you explain please

ertany

Thank you

kheireddine007

Your are the best

the betst of the bet

Thanks, sir! This was a very simple lesson, however, it was very useful at the same time, thanks again!

Roma@Neto

thank you very much my teacher Alex

ahmed khalifa

thank’s so much my teacher alex

Marwan201090

Thanks！

shihai182

Thanks again Alex!

Jonathas Wilhem

very welll ths lesson, but I have a doubt, I do not understand when I used ¨be able to¨

Catalina1991

Tks, Alex.

gambarra

This is an example for the last sentences
I was able to get the medal of basketball
Dear this is correct or not please reply to me

Reham67

That was a useful lesson. Thanks

Novak Dean

Thank you. It was a very helpful lesson

hugo1679

thank you

ataala

thank you teacher for all.

koumani1984

Thank you so much.

Mameri

i was confusing about the use of can and could but now
i’m able to understand. thanks

Aml Mounier

Thank you! I`ve got 4/4.

nazamargalaxy

thank you!!! great class!!!

ronixsan1

Thank you! Sir, Can you do some examples of “be able to”?

Annie Fernando

Hi Alex, You are my favourite teacher on engvid website. Thank you for your useful lessons.

Marynaz

Hello, please could you answer me? Is there sorting for english beginner level about the topic? I want to put in order its.Thank you. demet.sanca@gmail.com

dsanca

No, you can watch the videos in any order!

engVid Moderator

Thank you Mr. Alex.

Alex-1956

thank you very much for lesson ,I have a question , you said that we can use “be able to ” in any tense only when we talk about specific achievement right?