Can, be able to and could.
There are only two forms of the word ‘can’. “Can” (present tense) and “could” (past tense). It may be necessary to include (be/been) able to if ‘can’ or ‘could’ are not going to be used.
· I can not drive a car.
· However - I haven’t been able to drive my car recently. (can does not have a present perfect)
· Paul can go to work tomorrow.
· However - Paul might not be able to go to work tomorrow. (can does not have an infinitive)
You must use WAS/WERE ABLE TO to describe a special achievement or a single event in the past.
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