In this English lesson you will learn how we use can, able to, managed to in English.
Can/could for general ability
If you have the ability to do something we use ‘can’ and ‘could’.
Examples:
I can/can’t run fast.
I could/couldn’t run fast when I was five.
Can has no infinitive or past participle so we need to use ‘be able to’ for:
the future – I will be able to visit Rome soon. I have saved enough money.
the present perfect – I have never been able to play the piano.
-ing form – I like being able to drive.
the infinitive – I’d love to be able to travel the world.
Managed to, was able to, couldn’t
We use these for a single event or specific achievement in the past.
Examples:
I managed to get to work on time even though the bus was running late.
I wasn’t able to watch the game because my TV was broken.
Here’s another English lesson for you to study.
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