Page 23 - Grasp English B1 (Grammar Book)

Rules at School 3

Modals of ability and possibility

Can/Can’t show general (present and future) abilities or inabilities. Like other modal structures, we use
the base form of the verb after can/can’t.
Note: The negative form of can is can’t or cannot.
e.g.
Bats are mammals, but they can fly. (General)
I can play the piano well after this course. (In the future)
To express ability (also an achievement), we also use be able to, adapting it in different verb tenses.
It has a similar meaning to can; however, be able to is often used to refer a specific ability, having
a close meaning to manage to.
e.g.
She is able to speak four languages = She can speak four languages (present ability)
I was able to find my glasses on the bookshelf (past achievement)
David will be able to ride his motorbike after he gets his licence = David can ride his motorbike after
he gets his licence (future ability)

I. Complete the sentences with the positive or negative forms of can, could or be able to with the correct
tenses.
1. you swim when you were five years old?
2. We attend the meeting on time yesterday because the bus was delayed for one hour.
3. He arrive at the office on time so he was pleased about that.

4. He’s very skilled at learning languages, he speak four languages including Japanese.
5. I drive a car until I was 25 years old, but then I moved to a town far away from the city,
so I had to learn.

6. I looked everywhere for my car keys but I find them anywhere.
7. I searched for their new house for quite a long time. Luckily I find it in the end.
8. She is eight years old but she read yet.
9. I watched the film twice but I understand it.
10. Marco speak Thai when he lived in Asia, but he has forgotten most of it now.

J. Choose the correct options to fill in the gaps.

1. you see the fireworks from your house last night?
a) Could b) Can’t c) Can d) Was able to
2. Do you think you write that report by Tuesday? I know you’re really busy.
a) have been able to b) will be able to c) couldn’t d) can
3. I finally lose a lot of weight. Look at me!
a) will be able to b) could c) can d) couldn’t
4. I spend another moment in that classroom. It is too noisy.
a) can’t b) couldn’t c) have been able to d) will be able to

5. I’m afraid I attend the meeting. I’m on a business trip in Russia.
a) will be able to b) can c) won’t be able to d) could
6. you have brought it to me at work?
a) Cannot b) Will be able to c) Couldn’t d) Can

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