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Ability in the tenses where can is impossible, such as after will or have.
Why you specifically
The rule
Be able to is the grammar form for ability when can cannot be used, especially after will, have, to, or in perfect tenses. Use can for present ability in simple sentences, but use be able to for future ability, past successful ability, and patterns like want to be able to or have been able to.
Both correct
Every sentence here is correct English. Only the meaning changes.
I can speak English.
General present ability. Can is the natural choice in simple present.
I will be able to speak English next year.
Future ability. Be able to is needed because can does not normally follow will.
She was able to find a taxi.
A successful ability in a specific past situation.
She could swim when she was five.
A general past ability, especially with habits or repeated actions. Could is often used here, not one successful action.
The trap
I will can finish the report tomorrow.
I will be able to finish the report tomorrow.
After will, use be able to, not can. Can does not normally express future ability.
She was can solve the problem after a long time.
She was able to solve the problem after a long time.
After was/were, use be able to for a specific past success. Can does not have a past form in this structure.
I have can drive since I was eighteen.
I have been able to drive since I was eighteen.
After have/has/had, use be able to for ability over a time period. Can cannot follow have in this way.
He wants to can speak English fluently.
He wants to be able to speak English fluently.
After to, use be able to. Can cannot be used as an infinitive in this structure.
Prove it
9 drills
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