Date: May 22th 2019

inabilities in the past -> Couldn't

For example:
I couldn't speak French when I was child (I didn't know how
to)
(In) abilities in the present -> Can or Can't
For example: I can/can't ride a bike = I ( + don't in case of can't) know how
to ride a bike

Modals of ability

General abilities in the past -> Could Particular case -> Be able to / managed to + infinitiv
For example: I could speak French when I was a child (I knew how For example : I was able to / managed to buy the book you
to do it) wanted
Or also : I am able to drive