Can vs. Able To 같은 점과 다른 점

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Can vs. Able To 같은 점과 다른 점

https://langeek.co/en/grammar/course/631/can-vs-able-to

'Can' and 'be able to' are both used to refer to abilities. 둘 다 능력 표현에 씀

In this lesson, we will learn their differences and when to use them.

"Can" vs. "Able To" in the English grammar

What Is Their Main Difference?

'Can' and 'be able to' are both used to show ability but the main difference between them is in their parts of speech. 'Can' is a modal verb and 'be able to' is a phrasal verb. 형태상의 차이는 동사구와 조동사

Modal Verb Can 조동사

'Can' is one of the most commonly known modal verbs (also known as modals or modal auxiliary verbs) used to talk about possibilities, ask for or give permissions, request something, etc. We use can to refer to the present and the future. Have a look:

조동사 Can은 능력 말고도 가능성, 허락, 요청 등에도 쓰나 be able to~는 능력만 씀

I can talk about my favorite movie all day.

I can stay overtime tomorrow.

동사구 Be able to~

'Be able to' is a verb phrase. We use 'be able to' to talk about abilities.

The presence of the auxiliary verb 'be' allows us to use the phrase in both present and past tense.

He was able to jump really high.

He is able to jump really high.

Similarities 같은 점

Talking about Abilities 능력에 씀

We use 'can' and 'be able to' to talk about abilities, knowledge, or talent.

We use 'can' to talk about the present and the future. (과거에는 could tkdyd)

'Be able to' is used in all tenses to show ability.

For example:

I can teach English.

I was able to teach English.

I am able to teach English.

I will be able to teach English.

Negation 부정문

When we want to make v sentences, we use 'cannot' and 'not able to' or 'unable to.'

For instance:

I cannot teach English.

I am not able to teach English.

I am unable to teach English.

Differences 다른 점

Parts of Speech 품사가 다름

'Can' is a modal verb that is used to give additional information about the function of the main verb. Have a look:

I can ride a bicycle.

They can whistle.

'Be able to' is a phrasal verb.

A phrasal verb is a phrase that functions as a verb. Take a look at the following example:

I am able to ride a bicycle.

They are able to whistle.

With Modals 조동사는 한번에 2개를 쓸 수 없기에 다른 조동사가 필요할 때는 'Be able to'를 써야 함

'Can' is a modal verb and we cannot use two modals in one sentence at once.

In this case, we use 'to be verb' since we can use it with other modals. Have a look:

I should can work with a broken keyboard. (X)

I should be able to work with a broken keyboard. (O)

With Tenses 시제

We use 'can' and 'be able to' with tenses:

Past Tense 과거시제

We cannot use 'can' itself to talk about the past. Instead, we use 'could.'

With 'be able to,' we use the past tense of the auxiliary verb 'be': was/were.

Take a look at the following example:

I can run fast when I was younger. → I could run fast when I was younger.

I was able to run fast when I was younger.

Present Tense 현재시제

We can use both 'can' and 'be able to' to talk about present abilities.

'Can' is more common than 'be able to.' Here are some examples:

Harry can play multiple sports.

Harry is able to play multiple sports.

Future Tense 미래시제

We use 'be able to' to talk about a future skill to have in the future.

These skills are not available right now and will only be achieved in the future. For example:

I will be able to see again after the operation.

I will can see again after the operation. (X) (can에 미래 조동사 will을 더할 수 없음)

Here, we are talking about the present rather than the future.

will을 못 쓴 can은 현재의 능력에 대한 얘기가 되므로 의미상 어색한 문장이 됨

We use both 'can' and 'be able to' to talk about decisions for the future and future arrangements. Have a look:

I can give you a hand tomorrow. (미래의 결정에 대한 일에는 can을 쓸 수 있음)

I will be able to give you a hand tomorrow.

Questions 의문문

Both 'can' and 'be able to' are used to make questions.

'Can' is simply inverted to create questions. Watch:

I can swim. → Can I swim?

You can make an example. → Can you make an example?

To make a question with 'be able to,' we invert the 'be' and do not change the position of 'able to.'

Consider the following examples:

He is able to jump high enough. → Is he able to jump high enough?

They are able to make it to the meeting. → Are they able to make it to the meeting?

https://www.gymglish.com/en/gymglish/english-grammar/be-able-to

Be able to: How and When to Use - Gymglish

Be able to : How and When to Use in English Quick and simple lesson to help you understand grammar better. Test your English and learn even more with Gymglish. TEST YOUR ENGLISH Free with no obligation to buy. 4,6 on App Store, Play Store and Trustpilot More than 7 million users Be able to Be able t...

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Be able to

Be able to has a similar meaning to can (or could in the past):

I'm not able to move my leg = I can't move my leg.

(과거형 could는 사실 반대가정에 쓰이기도 하므로 애매성을 피하기 위해 was able to~를 쓰기도 한다 함)

However, can is mainly used to express capabilities or aptitudes acquired with time, 축적된 능력

while be able to refers to temporary or precise abilities or inabilities: 한시적 능력

He can't swim, he has never learned how. 안 배웠으니 못함 (이 경우 able to는 못 씀)

He's not able to swim, the swimming pool is closed today. 문 닫았으니 못함 (이 경우 can은 못 씀)

Be able to also allows us to express can in different tenses in the past and the future:

I was able to get to the meeting on time, despite the fact that the metro was late. (could보다 의미가 확실함)

You'll be able to use your arm by the end of the month. (이 경우 can은 시제상 어색함)