The Use of "CAN" VS. "BE ABLE TO"

Authors

Mayuree Durongbhan

Publication Date

1982-01-01

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the use of "can" and "be able to" to express ability. We are specifically concerned with : What is present in the mind of the native speaker which makes him use one form and not the other ? and in what situations, if any, is "can" truly interchangeable with "be able to"? In an attempt to answer these questions, research for this paper has concentrated on three areas — survey of explanations in grammar reference books, textbooks and articles, usage analysis from native speaker written and spoken sources, and, lastly, questionnaire results and analysis.

DOI

10.58837/CHULA.PASAA.12.1.5

First Page

31

Last Page

40

Recommended Citation

Durongbhan, Mayuree (1982) "The Use of "CAN" VS. "BE ABLE TO"," PASAA: Vol. 12: Iss. 1, Article 5.
DOI: 10.58837/CHULA.PASAA.12.1.5
Available at: https://digital.car.chula.ac.th/pasaa/vol12/iss1/5