Lesson 116 👩‍🏫 Basic English with Jennifer - Be Able To vs. Can

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Index
0:01 Introduction
0:39 Practice with Flavia and Andreia: can, can't, could REVIEW
2:08 Be Able To in the present and past
4:08 Practice with Flavia and Andreia: be able to
9:04 Your turn! Use "be able to."
10:10 Review the forms of "be able to."
10:35 Practice with Flavia and Andreia: Be Able To in the future
13:03 Your turn!
13:35 Speaking activity: Tell a story.
14:03 Practice with Flavia and Andreia
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[@JulKid]

Hello Jennifer! I am a bit confused now .I thought COULD is used to say about my ability I used to have but now I can hardly do it. WAS ABLE TO is used when I managed to do smth in a definite situation . Can I use WAS ABLE TO to say about my past abilities as well? Thank you.

[@Englishwithjennifer]

Hi. Sometimes you can use either "could" or "be able to" for past abilities. 1) I could climb flagpoles as a child. = I was able to climb to the top of a flagpole as a child. They're basically the same here. Here too: 2) I could do gymnastics as a girl. I can't do all that now./ I was able to do all kind of flips. I'm not able to do any kind of gymnastics now. BE ABLE TO is helpful for expressing ability in different tenses (and aspects). We haven't covered the present perfect in this series, but here's an example of the present perfect and future with WILL: 3) I've been able to keep up with my coursework so far, but next will I start my part-time job, and I'm afraid I won't be able to find enough time to get my homework done. >> Here only "be able to" is possible because we can change the form of BE. In the present, CAN is more common for abilities in general. 4) I can speak Russian. In the past, COULD is more common for abilities in general. 5) I couldn't understand a word of Japanese when I went there in 1991. As for the idea of being able to do something then and not now, you can say "use to be able to": 6) People used to be able to walk through that field, but now they're building a new office there, so you can't anymore. Hope that helps!

[@JulKid]

@@Englishwithjennifer It really helps. Thanks. When it comes to the tests it is difficult smt to choose the correct answer as British English and American English have differences in rules that's why it is confusing.

[@kanyakanyakuro1861]

ka̱mʉŋo sa bârŋ ŋyéttiŋ good evening all , bonsoir atues

[@roshanbanjade2381]

Thank you again! I wasn't able to find a good teacher on KZbin, however I'm able to find you as my KZbin teacher now. And I'm confident that I will be able to speak fluently one day with your guidelines.

[@Englishwithjennifer]

I'm happy you found my channel. Here are all my playlists. www.englishwithjennifer.com/students/yt-videos/ I'm also on Instagram.

[@hilalahmad7286]

Thanks Jennifer! Stay blessed!

[@Englishwithjennifer]

You are so welcome! Take care, Hilal.

[@hilalahmad7286]

@@Englishwithjennifer You take care too!

[@learnenglish.]

Thank you for continuing to produce great videos! Wonderful refresher lessons even for intermediate English speakers!

[@janda7615]

Hallo Jennifer im Form Syrien and Life in Germany I tell about you everyone want to lerne English you are the best and wish to have one million followers

[@Englishwithjennifer]

Thank you very much for your support. 😃 Please consider memberships on KZbin and Patreon if you want more practice. I offer written tasks twice a week on KZbin. Members on Patreon get live lessons.

[@jhonathan5438]

I'm a Portuguese speaker, I'm learning English through your videos. a big hug

[@jhonathan5438]

Good afternoon ma'am

[@Englishwithjennifer]

I'm happy that you're learning with Flavia and Andreia. :) Warm regards from Massachusetts, USA!

[@aparecidoferreiravais321]

Hi Jennifer as it is going. As always another great video. I love your lessons, they help me a lot. And you're an amazing teacher. I admire your responsibility to your students. Thanks a lot for your effort. Have a great weekend 😉🇧🇷 Take care

[@Englishwithjennifer]

Thank you for joining me for yet another lesson! 😃 A few more, and we'll be done with this series. Thank you for supporting Flavia's and Andreia's efforts. Enjoy your weekend as well!

[@hanifsalih9048]

god bless you and thank you so much and wish you all the best. and your videos are note sort step by step for example your Grammer's and dialogs

[@Englishwithjennifer]

Thank you for choosing to watch these lessons. 😃

[@roserins.6159]

Once again, your lessons are helpful. I've already taught my students about Modal verbs. Next week, I will be able to bring your story to let them practice the lesson. Love you♥️, Jennifer. Stay safe🌝

[@Englishwithjennifer]

Wonderful. There are many story starters. Some others may work better: 1. I moved to a new apartment last weekend, and I wasn't able to move everything by myself. 2. We were able to get plane tickets to Paris, but we missed our plane. 3. I'm usually able to find places, but last weekend I got lost. Have fun!

[@roserins.6159]

@@Englishwithjennifer Very kind of you, I will do it. Thank you😍

[@kkkim5135]

it's been a while andreia and flavia... these episodes are very useful ... I'm always waiting this episode..... As always thanks for teaching.... take care stay healthy.....

[@Englishwithjennifer]

I have a few more lessons to share, and then the series will be over. We had to stop filming because of COVID. These lessons were from 2020.

[@muharremkarakus9880]

Thank you so much teacher. I love you 😊

[@Englishwithjennifer]

Thank you for the warm support! 😃

[@sergeipetrov5572]

Hello Jennifer! Nice to see you and your students! It was so interesting. I've learned several new words from the lesson. Thanks a ton! My example: I can't play the guitar. But I think I'll be able to do that after a lot of practice and exercises in the future.

[@Englishwithjennifer]

I think it's lovely to hear someone play the acoustic guitar. Keep practicing! I like your example. I suggest deleting "and exercises." "A lot of practice" already makes sense. Good luck! Take care, Sergei.

[@sergeipetrov5572]

@@Englishwithjennifer Thank you, Jennifer! Always glad to see your remarks on my texts. That's so useful! To write or speak correctly is hard in any language. Take care too!

[@mateusz9047]

Hello you have so much patient for some people who want to lern english. My BIG dream is I want to come to U.S and live there becouse this is a beatifull cantry with amazing history. I regreat i don't had techer like you in my school in Poland :( Really great job for some one who want learn more about english not only with textbook or classroom :)

[@Englishwithjennifer]

Hi. Thank you for studying with us. If you'd like two practice tasks each week, please consider joining as a Basic Member on my channel. It's only $1/month. kzbin.infojoin Here are just a few corrections to study: so much patience (noun form) learn English (spelling and capitalization) to the U.S. (article needed) Have a good weekend!

[@لاإلهإلااللهمحمدرسولالله-ب3س6س]

Can you guide me to your videos that focus on the pronunciation and stress . And I'm pleased to see a perfect teacher like you.

[@Englishwithjennifer]

Here are my free videos on intonation. kzbin.info/aero/PLfQSN9FlyB6T-lbREfi4sNi5MI2MmYGmc If you can, please join me on Patreon as a Super Member! 😃 www.patreon.com/englishwithjennifer This month we're focusing on rhythm and intonation. We just had our first live class of the month last Friday. We'll have another on Feb. 12. All live sessions are recorded.

[@لاإلهإلااللهمحمدرسولالله-ب3س6س]

Thanks Mrs. Jennifer

[@suelenegomes6494]

Jennifer we're always grateful for your lessons. We're all miss you on hallo. I'm praying 🙏 for your health. When you recover please, go back to hallo

[@Englishwithjennifer]

Thank you. I'm much better now. I'm not active on Hallo now, but I wish everyone well there! Good times. Thanks for watching my lessons here.

[@mohammadsoleimani6182]

Merci beaucoup professeure

[@Englishwithjennifer]

You're welcome!

[@koroshmafi1767]

Thank you very much

[@Englishwithjennifer]

You are welcome!

[@gobaad_dhuuh]

I was able to learn more word I'm Somali person I live Somalia I love you Jennifer

[@Englishwithjennifer]

I'm happy you're studying with us.

[@gobaad_dhuuh]

So am I you're my teacher

[@peacelover6755]

Watching your classes from Bangladesh, south asia🥰

[@Englishwithjennifer]

Wonderful! Thank you for watching.

[@raed2178]

In fact, I taught this grammar last week for some children in the charity organization I am volunteering at.

[@Englishwithjennifer]

What a coincidence! I think you can have great fun with kids. You can use stories, toys, puppets, pretend play, etc. Do you know a Russian fairy tale about a big turnip? www.russianamericancompany.com/the-giant-turnip/ You could use the story, simplify the wording, and incorporate "couldn't/wasn't able to pull it out." The final line, "And finally! They were able to pull out the turnip!" When my kids were little, we re-enacted that story, pretending to be the different characters. :) Happy teaching, Ra'ed!

[@raed2178]

@@Englishwithjennifer Unfortunately, not. I will search for it. Thanks a lot, Jennifer. 🌹❤️

[@salimuiam8485]

Jennifer i love your student that is sitting on your right side.

[@Englishwithjennifer]

Flavia is on the right (in the GAP shirt). Andreia is on the left (in pink). Both ladies are absolutely lovely people. 💕

[@suelenegomes6494]

I'm grateful always for your lessons. God bless you and keep doing this beautiful job for us. Teacher, we miss you really much on hallo. Please when you recover back to hallo

[@Englishwithjennifer]

So glad you found me here. Warm regards to all on Hallo! I'm not active there right now.

[@amirieducation]

Thank you so much Большое спасибо Ташаккури зиёд Çok teşekkürler تشكر زياد

[@Englishwithjennifer]

You're welcome.

[@oumjad7602]

Thank you so much teacher from morocco my dream is to learn and speak english fluently

[@Englishwithjennifer]

You can do it! Please consider membership on Patreon or KZbin. See the links on my channel page.

[@stunninglad1]

We saw some good examples for "be able to" and for "can" there. When to use "was" and when to use "were" was also taught.

[@Englishwithjennifer]

Basic grammar is never as easy to teach or learn as you think it will be!

[@ikraanmohamed1174]

Thank you 😊 teacher

[@Englishwithjennifer]

You're welcome! 😊

[@JavedIqbal-tt6gp]

@@Englishwithjennifer dear teacher what i do speak ,read,write, listen and think in english plz guide me specialy for speak fluently i am waiting your advised thanks.

[@Englishwithjennifer]

Hello. I haver over 600 videos. www.englishwithjennifer.com/students/yt-videos/ You can watch Oral Reading Fluency and Basic English. Then move to other playlists. :)

[@ikraanmohamed1174]

@@Englishwithjennifer thanks for helping i want learn English

[@cloudwalker1]

Hi , Mam I got confused after watching this lessons because I have already watched your lesson on "Modal verbs for past possibility". In which you had said we used this ( could have + v3 ) for past possibility. So I don't understand when to use could+v1 or when could have +V3 for past possibility . What should I used I could get that job. I could have gotten that job.

[@Englishwithjennifer]

For past ability, use "could" or "was/were able to" As a child, I could climb trees. Yesterday I tried to climb a tree, but I wasn't able to. For a past possibility, you can use a perfect modal: You could have broken your leg by jumping off the stairs like that! Aren't you lucky that you didn't break your legs? James wasn't in class this morning. He may have overslept. He's done that before.

[@هيفاءعلي-ي9ظ]

Thanks alot teacher

[@Englishwithjennifer]

You are welcome!

[@andreagiraldomdphd.8376]

Love you, Jennifer. A

[@Englishwithjennifer]

Hi Andrea! Good to see you here. Hope you're doing well. Take care. See you next week for more phrasal verbs.

[@romina1645]

I'm trying to get my driver's license so, I've been taking lessons since last month. I haven't been able to park correctly so far but, I think I'll be able to sooner or later. It's just a matter of time!

[@Englishwithjennifer]

Even licensed drivers aren't always able to park well! Some people do terrible park jobs. Not many are able to parallel park the first few times they try. It takes practice. Good luck! Stay safe on the roads.

[@naweedkhan3579]

👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@Englishwithjennifer]

Thank you for watching!

[@birbalramsaran8563]

Great

[@Englishwithjennifer]

Thank you.

[@zahidkhan-wu7tm]

Greatly I love you her doing well

[@Englishwithjennifer]

Thank you for studying with us.

[@DeepakSharma-kp4du]

Do you deserve praise

[@Englishwithjennifer]

Thank you. You're kind.

[@rakhmanInoyatov]

I thought. Only / be able to / in the future tense we may use it . And verb like in the present tense. I was Interesting.

[@Englishwithjennifer]

No, we can use it in all tenses. Please see the pinned comment for more examples with more advanced grammar.

[@JavedIqbal-tt6gp]

Hello teacher

[@Englishwithjennifer]

Hello! Kind wishes to you.

[@JavedIqbal-tt6gp]

@@Englishwithjennifer thank you for reply

[@oagaas]

good

[@Englishwithjennifer]

Thanks!

[@evankhan8257]

Last night I wanted to have a dinner party but I couldn't able to. is it okay?

[@Englishwithjennifer]

Suggestion: Last night I wanted to have a dinner party, but I wasn't able to.

[@evankhan8257]

Yeah I know you were able to read da book in one day.

[@gholamrezagodarzi5212]

👌🌹🌺

[@Englishwithjennifer]

Thanks for watching.

[@sanakhan3131]

Hello, Mam how these both sentence are different in meaning. I was able to find a hairstylist I found a hairstylist .

[@Englishwithjennifer]

was able to find = You found the person with some difficulty. It wasn't easy. found = You did it. A complete action in the past.

[@hamzaboutekfa7295]

Hi, Jennifer! Would you happen to know someone called Christine Chubbuck?

[@Englishwithjennifer]

Hi. Nope. Never heard of her.

[@wanderlustlife6192]

could you please transform a sentence into negative interrogative? the sentence is virtue has its own rewardss.From my point of view,it is has not virtue its own rewards?if it's not,rectify me.please provide me the grammatical explanation. Furthermore I am a newbie on your channel

[@Englishwithjennifer]

Hi. Here's an example of a negative question: Doesn't virtue have its own rewards? You may find this helpful: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3PTYoitZc2kpq8 Welcome to my channel. If you click the JOIN button, you can become a basic member, and this will give you access to written language tasks twice a week on the community tab. :) It's only $1/month. You get about 8+ tasks and other perks.

[@harunacute257]

Hello Jennifer. I like you.

[@Englishwithjennifer]

Hello. Thank you for watching. 😊

[@evankhan8257]

Can you play guitar 🎸?

[@Englishwithjennifer]

No, can you?

[@evankhan8257]

Not yet

[@yusifusubov623]

@jenniferESL hello jenifer. i think you are ok. İ have question. what is different used to and was able to?

[@Englishwithjennifer]

Hello. "Use to" is for past habits. Example: I used to jog, but now I don't. I only take walks. "Be able to" is for ability. This could be for past, present, or future: I was able to run fast. / I'm able to run three miles./ I'll be able to run five miles.

[@yusifusubov623]

@@Englishwithjennifer i could but i can't now?

[@Englishwithjennifer]

Then specify that. A long time ago, I could run three miles, but now I can't. = I was able to run three times, but now I'm not. (This focuses on ability.)

[@evankhan8257]

I fought my lil bro. I was able to fight my lil bro.

[@Englishwithjennifer]

I hope you then forgave each other. :)

[@سوقالسياراتوالدراجات-ذ9ث]

Hello everyone my need someone language English with me I From Libya

[@Englishwithjennifer]

You may like the community on Hallo. I'm not active there now, but you can find practice daily.

[@سوقالسياراتوالدراجات-ذ9ث]

@@Englishwithjennifer Thank you. You have friends in Libya with whom I can practice The English language

[@سوقالسياراتوالدراجات-ذ9ث]

@@Englishwithjennifer where you from

[@Englishwithjennifer]

USA