I can play the guitar.
- Language
- English
- Level
- B1
- Unit
- Modal Verbs
- Practice types
- 0
What this grammar point covers
Modal verbs for ability show if someone can or cannot do something. In English, we use 'can', 'can't', 'could', and 'couldn't' to talk about ability in the present, past, or future.
When to use it
Use these modal verbs to talk about what you or others are able or unable to do, now or in the past.
Key forms
- 'can' + base verb (present ability): I can swim.
- 'can't' + base verb (present inability): She can't drive.
- 'could' + base verb (past ability): When I was a child, I could run fast.
- 'couldn't' + base verb (past inability): He couldn't speak English last year.
Examples
She can't come to the party.
When he was young, he could swim very well.
We couldn't find the keys.
Tips
- After 'can' and 'could', always use the base form of the verb (no 'to').
- 'Can' is for present ability, 'could' is for past ability.
- Don't use 'to' after 'can' or 'could'.
Exceptions and edge cases
- 'Be able to' can also show ability, especially for other tenses or forms (e.g., 'will be able to', 'have been able to').