Hi there. Welcome to Harry's World of Words and Phrases and English in a
Minute. Today we're looking at the differences between ABLE TO and CAN. When
we use them in the Present Tense in fact there is no difference. I am able to. I
can. Means exactly the same. Let me give you an example. I am able to cook. I can
cook. Exactly the same meaning. Where there is a difference is when we use
them in the Past Tense. Can does not have a past format so we have to change can
to COULD. So talking about our example of cooking again - I was able to cook when I
was 10 - Past Tense. I could cook when I was 10 - the past format of CAN. Okay. So no
difference when we use them in the Present Tense, there is a difference
where we use them in the Past Tense. And if you wanted to look at the Future
Tense again there's no difference. I can meet you later. I will be able to meet
you later. Exactly the same. But please don't make the mistake and say I can
will or I will can because I often hear that and it's wrong. Okay. As always
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