Modal Verbs To Express Ability | Modals of Ability

Ability can be expressed using modal verbs and phrases. English learners often prefer to use be able to because it is the easiest to form. As learners progress, they begin to use can, could, and managed to.

While the present forms are simple, the past forms have particular rules which must be followed. The most important rules relate to general ability and specific ability.

• General ability means that a person had the ability to do something at all times and in all situations.
• Specific ability means that the person had the ability to do something in a specific situation or at a specific time.