7. MODALS. EXPRESSING ABILITY
When we talk about ability, we mean two things. First, we mean general ability. This is something that once you have learned you can do any time you want, like being able to read or swim or speak a language, for example. The other kind of ability is specific ability. This mean something that you can or can't do in one particular situation. For example, being able to lift something heavy, or find somewhere you are looking for.
Present :
can / can't (for both general and specific ability)
I can play the piano.
He can't drive – he's too tired.
We can't come now.
Past : could / couldn't (for general ability) I could read when I was four. My grandfather couldn't swim. was able to / couldn't (for specific ability) She was able to pass the exam, even though she hadn't studied much.(not 'she could pass') He called us because he couldn't find the house. I couldn't open the window.
could + have + past participle (an ability someone had in the past, but didn't use)
I could have played the piano well but I didn't practise enough.
She could have studied law, but she preferred to become a secretary.
Future : will / won't be able to (general ability) He won't be able to speak Japanese in a week! It will take months.
can / can't (specific ability)
I can help you tomorrow
I can't come to the party
Could + verb :
When Jane was in Austria, she could speak German.
Could, in positive, is only used for general ability.
When Jane was very young, she couldn’t speak German.
Couldn’t is used for general or specific.
Managed to :
Gerry lost control of his car but managed to avoid a crash.
This form is only used for specific ability : one time, one situation.
The typical mistakes learners make are to use could for past positive specific ability. My friend’s phone was engaged all day yesterday. Finally, late in the evening, I could speak to him.
In this sentence, we should use I was able to speak to or I managed to speak to him.
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