The term 'have the ability to' CAN be expressed in two different ways: 'CAN' and 'COULD'. 'CAN' is a modal verb that is used to express the ability to do something, while 'COULD' is a modal verb that is used to express the possibility of doing something. Both words are used to express the same idea, but they have slightly different connotations. 'CAN' implies that the speaker has the ability to do something, while 'COULD' implies that the speaker may or may not have the ability to do something.