can, could, be able to
can solo tiene dos formas (can, could). Para los demás tiempos se usa be able to (ser capaz de, poder).
| tiempo | ejemplo |
|---|---|
| presente | I can / am able to drive. |
| pasado (capacidad general) | I could swim when I was five. |
| pasado (un logro concreto) | I was able to fix it. / I managed to fix it. |
| futuro | I’ll be able to help you tomorrow. |
| present perfect | I haven’t been able to sleep. |
¿could o was able to?
Para una capacidad general en el pasado, could (podía, sabía). Para un logro concreto, was able to / managed to (pude, conseguí): The exam was hard, but I was able to pass it. En negativa valen ambos: I couldn’t / wasn’t able to open it.
Ejemplos
- Will you be able to come on Friday?¿Podrás venir el viernes?
- I managed to find a flat.Conseguí encontrar piso.
- She could read when she was four.Sabía leer a los cuatro años.
- I haven’t been able to reach him.No he podido localizarlo.
- She wasn’t able to open the door.No pudo abrir la puerta.
Errores comunes
- ✗ I could pass the exam yesterday.✓ I was able to pass the exam yesterday.Para un logro concreto en el pasado se usa was able to y no could.
- ✗ I haven’t could sleep.✓ I haven’t been able to sleep.Could no se combina con have, así que se usa been able to.
- ✗ Will you can help me?✓ Will you be able to help me?Can no tiene futuro, y se usa will be able to.
- ✗ I would can do it if I had time.✓ I would be able to do it if I had time.Tras would no se usa can, sino be able to, así que would be able to do it.
- ✗ I didn’t able to sleep.✓ I wasn’t able to sleep.Be able to necesita el verbo to be, por eso la negación en pasado es wasn’t able to.