Could you explain if COULD always means that the ability is over.
I am sure COULD can mean that the ability to do something is ONLY in the PAST.
- I could start the engine yesterday. But I can't do it today. It won't start.
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But is there such a situation when COULD can still mean that the ability is still available
- Wow, you can play real difficult stuff on your guitar. I think you couldn't do it when you were younger.
- Why, I could do it when I was younger nad I still can do it.
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So, what do you think about the second example. Would COULD me a good verb to use to express both the abillity in the past and in the present?
PS ONLY SERIOUS ANSWERS, PLEASE.
I am sure COULD can mean that the ability to do something is ONLY in the PAST.
- I could start the engine yesterday. But I can't do it today. It won't start.
=======================
But is there such a situation when COULD can still mean that the ability is still available
- Wow, you can play real difficult stuff on your guitar. I think you couldn't do it when you were younger.
- Why, I could do it when I was younger nad I still can do it.
==============
So, what do you think about the second example. Would COULD me a good verb to use to express both the abillity in the past and in the present?
PS ONLY SERIOUS ANSWERS, PLEASE.