Use can for present ability, as in she can speak three languages, could for general past ability, as in when I was young, I could run very fast, and was/were able to for a specific one-time past achievement, as in yesterday, I was able to finish the marathon. Will be able to expresses future ability.
Grammar Rule
Could expresses general past ability; was/were able to is used for a specific, one-time past achievement.
Modals of Ability: Rules and Examples
| Time | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Present | can | She can speak three languages. |
| General past | could | When I was young, I could run very fast. |
| Specific past achievement | was/were able to | Yesterday, I was able to finish the marathon. |
| Future | will be able to | Next year, I will be able to drive. |
Remember: could for general past ability; was/were able to for a specific past achievement.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below choosing the correct form to express ability. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
Modals of Ability – Can, Could, Be able to
Click «Start the test» to begin right away — no signup required. You can get a personalized certificate with your name and score at the end, if you want one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between could and was able to?
Could expresses general ability in the past, as in I could run very fast, while was able to expresses a specific one-time achievement, as in I was able to finish the marathon yesterday.
How do you express present ability?
Use can plus the base verb, as in she can speak three languages.
How do you express future ability?
Use will be able to plus the base verb, as in next year, I will be able to drive.
Can could be used for a specific past achievement?
Generally no, could is used for general past ability, while a specific one-time success is expressed with was/were able to.