Quote:
Originally Posted by Dr. Jamshid Ibrahim  Can refers to ability only: When I was a child I could play the piano.
be able to refers to ability + putting the ability into practice:
I was able to get out of prison
So if you make use of your ability be able to is the choice usually in the past. In the presenr "can" is more often used than be able to because using an ability always refers to a past action not a present one. |
I understand your point of view, but I'm not sure I see as much difference between the forms as you do.
When I was a child, I could play the piano
When I was a child, I was able to play the piano.
I see little to no difference.
I can run a mile in 5 minutes.
I am able to run a mile in 5 minutes.
Again, little to no difference for me.