When Do We Use Be Able To?
Can has only two forms: can and could. It cannot follow will or must, it cannot follow to, and it has no past participle.
Be able to means the same, and be can change into any tense.
AFTER WILLThe future
I'll be able to help you after 5.
PRESENT PERFECTFrom then until now
She hasn't been able to find a job since she moved here.
ONE SUCCESSA single time in the past
The fire spread fast, but everyone was able to get out.
Where can does not fit, use be able to.
TRY IT
- Question 1
"Next year, our son blank read on his own."
The forms
FUTURE
Swill be able tobase verb
We'll be able to move into the new flat in May.
Negative: won't be able to.
AFTER MUST / SHOULD
Smust / should be able tobase verb
A tour guide should be able to answer lots of questions.
Never must can or should can.
PRESENT PERFECT
Shave / has been able tobase verb
Have you been able to call the bank yet?
Been is the past participle of be.
AFTER TO
would like / usedtobe able tobase verb
I used to be able to run 5 km.
There is no to can.
In the present, can sounds more natural: I can swim, not usually I am able to swim.
TRY IT
- Question 1
"I blank sleep well this week. The neighbours are building a house."
When to use it
Giving a delivery date
We 'll be able to deliver your sofa on Tuesday.
A shop calling a customer.
Asking after someone
Have you been able to rest since the operation?
Visiting a friend after hospital.
Could or Was Able To?
| COULD | WAS / WERE ABLE TO | |
|---|---|---|
| General ability | My grandfather could fix any bike. | also possible, less common |
| One success | not used | We were able to get two tickets for the final. |
| Negative | I couldn't find a taxi last night. | I wasn't able to find… also fine |
For one success, say was able to, managed to, or just use the past simple. In the negative, couldn't works for both.
TRY IT
- Question 1
"The exam was hard, but I blank answer every question."
Common mistakes
Incorrect:I will can come tomorrow.
Correct:I'll be able to come tomorrow.
Will and can never go together. Use be able to.
Incorrect:You must can speak English for this job.
Correct:You must be able to speak English for this job.
After must, use be able to.
Incorrect:After three tries, I could pass my driving test.
Correct:After three tries, I managed to pass my driving test.
One success: managed to, was able to, or passed.
Incorrect:She is able to speaks three languages.
Correct:She is able to speak three languages.
After to, use the base verb.
Incorrect:I'd like to can play the guitar.
Correct:I'd like to be able to play the guitar.
There is no to can.
Quick check · 5 questions
Choose the correct words:
Don't worry. The doctor will be able to see you tomorrow morning.
- A. will be able to — Correct
- B. will can
- C. will able to
Answer: A. will be able to
Will and can never go together. Able needs be before it.
Choose the correct words:
Mai hasn't been able to visit her grandparents since she started her new job.
- A. hasn't been able — Correct
- B. hasn't could
- C. can't
Answer: A. hasn't been able
Can has no past participle.
Choose the correct words:
The road was flooded, but we were able to get home safely.
- A. could
- B. were able to — Correct
Answer: B. were able to
Managed to or simply got home also work. Could does not.
Choose the correct words:
I'd love to be able to cook like my grandmother.
- A. to can
- B. to be able to — Correct
- C. being able
Answer: B. to be able to
To can does not exist.
Choose the correct sentence:
My little brother can ride a bike now.
- A. My little brother can ride a bike now. — Correct
- B. My little brother is able to rides a bike now.
- C. My little brother can rides a bike now.
Answer: A. My little brother can ride a bike now.
After can and after to, use the base verb. Is able to ride is correct but more formal.
See whether it really stuck.
Start the quiz · 14 questions