Can i able to

But when we talk about one special occasion in the past, we use be able to positive and couldn't negative. Look at these examples:. We often use could in a question to ask somebody to do something. The use of could in this way is fairly polite formal :. Although we look at be able to here, it is not a modal verb. It is simply the verb be plus an adjective able followed by the infinitive.

We look at be able to here because we sometimes use it instead of can and could. We use be able to to express ability. If we say "I am able to swim", it is like saying "I can swim". We sometimes use be able to instead of "can" or "could" for ability. Be able to is possible in all tenses - but "can" is possible only in the present and "could" is possible only in the past for ability.

In addition, "can" and "could" have no infinitive form. So we use be able to when we want to use other tenses or the infinitive. EnglishClub : Learn English : Grammar : Verbs : Modals : can, could, be able to can, could, be able to can and could are modal auxiliary verbs. Can you play tennis? Notice that: Can is invariable. There is only one form: can The main verb is always the bare infinitive.

The main verb is always the bare infinitive infinitive without to. We cannot say: I can to play tennis. This may be common in Indian English. However, it's certainly not accepted as Standard English because, as you say, can and be able to have the same meaning. Because able to isn't a verb but part of an adjectival phrase, it requires a verb; but as it's adjectival that verb is be, not can.

Sign up to join this community. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top. Stack Overflow for Teams — Collaborate and share knowledge with a private group. Create a free Team What is Teams? Learn more. Is the usage "can able to" wrong? I believe it's wrong. But where can I find some reference on the same? Ask Question. Asked 11 years, 1 month ago. Active 7 years, 2 months ago. Viewed 47k times. Improve this question. San San 2 2 gold badges 4 4 silver badges 8 8 bronze badges. Add a comment.

Active Oldest Votes. Improve this answer. I do want to talk with the rest of the world. It at best be as ShreevatsaR said, "a common mistake in Indian English", not even an Indianism , certainly not Indian English in its correct form.