BE ABLE TO

BE ABLE TO

We use be able to talk about present, past and future. We look at be able to here because we sometimes use it instead of can and could.

We use be able to:

• to talk about ability

Structure of Be able to

subject + be + able + infinitive

Notice that be able to is possible in all tenses, for example:

• I was able to drive
• I will be able to drive
• I have been able to drive

be able to: ability

• You will be able to speak perfect English very soon. (future simple)
• I would like to be able to fly an airplane. (infinitive)