Ability Modal Verbs

First, we mean general ability. This is something that once you have learned you can
do any time you want, like being able to read or swim or speak a language, for
example.

The other kind of ability is specific ability. This means something that you can or
can't do in one particular situation. For example, being able to lift something heavy,
or find somewhere you are looking for.

Present:
Can / can't/ be able to (for both general and specific ability)

I can play the piano. (I am able to play the piano.)

She can speak English. (She is able to speak English.)
He can't drive, he's too tired. (He isnt able to drive)
We can't come now. (He isnt able to come now.)

*We normally use can or cant when speaking because its shorter and less formal.

Past:
Could (for general ability)

I could read when I was four.

She could swim when she was a child.

Was/ were able to (for specific ability)

When the computer crashed yesterday, I was able to fix it. (Not 'I could fix it')
She was able to pass the exam, even though she hadn't studied much. (Not
'she could pass')

Couldnt/ wasnt/ werent able to (for general ability and for specific ability)

They couldnt/werent able to answer all of the question on the exam.

(specific)
She couldnt/wasnt able to ride a bike until she was 15. (general)
When talking about ability, we use can only in the present and could only in the past.
For perfect and future tenses, we use be able to:
I've been very busy so I haven't been able to finish reading the novel.
(present perfect)
When you finish the course, you'll be able to speak English really well.
(future simple)

We use be able to after an infinitive:

She hopes to be able to study medicine when she goes to university.

We use be able to after modal verbs (might, should, may, etc.):

If I'm free this weekend, I might be able to help you paint your house.
When you've finished this course, you should be able to speak English very
well.

We usually use can and could with see, hear, smell, feel and taste:
From the top of the mountain we could see for miles.
I can hear a strange noise coming from upstairs.

However, we use manage when we succeed in doing something quite difficult to do:
I know you've been busy, but did you manage to phone my mum?
He managed to pass the exam, although he was feeling ill when he did it.