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The uses and limitations of 'can'

Also mentions 'managed to'

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Remember 'can' and 'could' are modals verbs.

So, they are always followed by the base form or the verb, or infinitive without to.

Never use 'to' after these words

e.g. I can swim.  Never 'I can to swim.'

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Back to basics but has a good common problem at the end 5mins20. Don't use could to talk about specific achievements in the past.

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Expressing ability with CAN, COULD, BE ABLE TO

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In this English lesson, I look at how to use can, could, and be able to, when talking about ability. The ESL lesson explains which term is appropriate, depending on if youre talking about the past, present, or future.

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Helps you focus on different tenses and when not to use 'could'

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Learn about using can and could.

Practice 1: can, could and be able to

Choose one word to complete each sentence (note: contractions such as "couldn't" count as one word).

Practice 2: past, present or something else?

Choose the best expression to complete these sentences.

Practice 3: general ability or specific occasion?

Choose the best answer to complete these sentences. If both answers are possible, choose both! Read the grammar rules again here if you can't remember them!

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Learn about using can and could. Practice 1: can, could and be able to Choose one word to complete each sentence (note: contractions such as "couldn't" count as one word). Practice 2: past, present or something else? Choose the best expression to complete these sentences. Practice 3: general ability or specific occasion?

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CAN, COULD, BE ABLE TO | Grammar | EnglishClub

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CAN/COULD are modal auxiliary verbs. We use CAN to: a) talk about possibility and ability b) make requests c) ask for or give permission. We use COULD to: a) talk about past possibility or ability b) make requests. We include BE ABLE TO here for convenience, but it is not an auxiliary verb.

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Text explanation about ability in the past and a quick quiz

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I've never been able to swim properly.

I've attended lessons but I just can't get the breathing right. (can use 'I'm not able to get)

If I go somewhere hot, I'll be able to swim in the sea and practice more.

Not being able to swim is quite embarrassing. I would like to be able to just jump in and feel confident.

In Indonesia, I wanted to learn to dive but because I couldn't swim 25 m, I wasn't allowed to do the Padi course. I managed to do 2 special 'try dives' though with an instructor.