I am a new comer and let me post my first question.Please tell me the difference between 'can'
and 'able'
Difference between can and able
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A.wilhelm.scream
well, can means something is possible OR somebody has the ability to do something.
be able to is basically the same as can but can is more usual.
can has only two forms:
1. can (present)
2. could (past)
so sometimes it is necessary to use "be able to".
Usually we use could for a general ability and be able to (or managed to) when we're talking about a particular situation.
source: grammar in use - intermediate, raymond murphy with william R. smalzer
be able to is basically the same as can but can is more usual.
can has only two forms:
1. can (present)
2. could (past)
so sometimes it is necessary to use "be able to".
Usually we use could for a general ability and be able to (or managed to) when we're talking about a particular situation.
source: grammar in use - intermediate, raymond murphy with william R. smalzer