Work and money

4º - Inglés

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Grammar

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"Can" and "be able to"

Can

Can is used to express, ability, permission or possibility depending on the situation. In the context of a job interview it can be used to express abilities and what you are able to do.

Look at these examples:

I can work well in a team.
I can't use a computer

subject + can + main verb (always infinitive without "to")

Remember that the pronunciation changes if it is stressed or unstressed as well as if it is used in the negative.

/kæn/ - stressed

/kən/ - unstressed

Could

Could can be used to express ability in the past in the same way in which can is used in the present.

Be able to

To be able to is also used to express ability although the structure is very slightly different from can.

I am able to work well independently
I am not able to drive

subject + be + able + infinitive

Because can is possible only in the present (Could in the past) we use be able to when we want to use other tenses or the infinitive.

Look at these examples:

I have been able to drive since I was 17 (present perfect)
I will be able to speak perfect English very soon. (future simple)
I would like to be able to have the opportunity to work here. (infinitive)

Can, could, be able to

Look at this link to do a short quiz testing your knowledge of can, could and be able to.

Quiz