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, and it's wrong.

Okay, as always subscribe to our channel and join us on www.englishlessonviaskype.com, and we'll catch up with you soon.