This article is additional to the main page dedicated to Modal Verbs.
Actually, there is the only modal verb of ability in the English language. It is the verb 'can'.
It has a rather wide range of forms that work with different tenses. Let's look at all of them.
Can meaning
The modal verb 'can' has two meanings. First one is our general ability to do something, the second one is our specific ability to do something according to a specific situation.
For example 👇
Carol can swim. (her general ability)
Carol can't talk right now. She is busy. (her specific ability)
Ability in the Future
When we talk about the future we use the phrase
will be able to do something
won't be able to do something
For example 👇
Mike Parson said Wednesday most businesses would be able to reopen their doors when the state begins to loosen restrictions. Daily Journal Online
The Health Ministry will be able to conduct up to 22,000 tests daily for Covid-19 by next week. The Star Online
But the question on most everyone's mind is: “When will we be able to fly again?” The Points Guy UK (blog)
Premier League clubs 'fear foreign stars won't be able to return to England in time' for the season's restart due to border restrictions. Daily Mail
Ability in the past
When we talk about the past we use three grammar constructions to express different kinds of abilities.
General ability in the past - could/couldn't
Specific ability in the past - was able to/couldn't
Abilities for Perfect tenses - could have + past participle
For example 👇
Within Asia, the Japanese and Singaporean economies could struggle the most in the coronavirus pandemic, said Steve Cochrane. CNBC
Gruffalo artist Axel Sheffler: 'This was something I could do to help'. BBC News
Starting Friday, retailers were able to deliver items to customers' cars or homes under the "retail-to-go" model that Abbott recently announced. KTXS
“My friends FaceTimed in so I was able to share a drink with them,” Coughlin said. Daily Northwestern
BILL Bayno believes Japeth Aguilar could have become the first-ever homegrown Filipino to play in the NBA. Sports Interactive Network Philippines
Halifax mayor, council could have done more to manage crisis. TheChronicleHerald.ca