##### Unit 25. Can, could, and (be) able to
~ 할수있다.
#1. Can
a. We use "can" to say that something is possible or allowed, or that somebody has the ability to do something.
* We use can + base form (can do / can see, etc.):
+ We can see the ocean from our hotel window.
+ Can you speak any foreign languages?
+ I can come and help you tomorrow if you want.
+ The word "dream" can be a noun or a verb.
* The negative is can't(= cannot)
+ I'm afraid I can't come to your party on Friday.
#2. is able to
a. You can say that somebody is able to do something, but can is more common:
+ We are able to see the ocean from our hotel window.
b. Can has only two forms: can (present) and could (past).
So sometimes it is necessary to use (be) able to.
I can't sleep. |
I haven't been able to sleep recently. |
Tom can come tomorrow. |
Tom might be able to come tomorrow. |
Maria can speak French, Spanish, and English. |
Applicants for the job must be able to speak two foreign languages. |
#3. Could
a. the past of can (use it especially with : see / hear / smell / taste / feel / remember / understand)
+ We had a nice room in the hotel. We could see the ocean.
+ She spoke in a very soft voice, so I couldn't understand what she said.
b. use it to say that somebody had the general ability or permission to do something:
+ My grandfather could speak five languages.
+ We were totally free. We could do what we wanted.
#4. Could & was able to
positive |
negative |
|
could |
use it for general ability |
couldn't |
was able to |
use it somebody did something in a specific situation |
|
managed to | ||
compare:
+ Jack was an excellent tennis player when he was younger. He could beat anybody.
+ Jack and Ted played tennis yesterday. Ted played very well, but Jack managed to / was able to beat him.
# Exercises
+ We had a really good vacation. It couldn't have been better.
+ I couldn't have wear that hat. I'd look sill, and people would laugh at me.
+ We managed to find the restaurant you recommended, but we couldn't have find it without the map that you drew for us.
+ The staff at the hotel was really nice when we stayed there last summer, They couldn't have been more helpful.
+ That's nice of you, but I couldn't have come anyway. I was away all last week.