Can, Could, Be Able to

Learn how to correctly use “can,” “could,” and “be able to” in this practical ESL grammar lesson.

This video explains the differences between these common modal verbs and expressions, helping you choose the right form for ability, possibility, and polite requests.

Discover when “can” and “could” are both correct (such as describing past ability), and when “was able to” is the better choice for specific achievements in the past.

You’ll also learn how to make polite requests using “Can you…” and “Could you…” in everyday conversations.

Through simple examples and multiple-choice practice questions, this lesson highlights common mistakes and shows you how to speak English more naturally and accurately.