MODAL VREBS: ABILITY

There are three modal verbs used to show ability:

Can
Could
Be Able To

PRESENT

I can play the guitar. I cannot play piano. Can I paly the piano?
She can speak German She cant speak German Can she speak..?

* Can is always followed by a base verb.

PAST

I could sing very well She could not finish her Could she finish her
when I was young. homework last night. homework last night?
She could read when They couldn't finish their Could she finish her
she was 2 years old. homework last night. homework last night?

FUTURE

I will be able to drive a I will not be able to go to Will he be able to finish

car in 2 years. the party tonight. on time?
He will be able to buy a Susan won't be able to Will Doug be able to
house next year. go to the party tonight. bring his boots?

"Able to" is used with many other verb tenses. Take a look at
these examples:

I have been able to visit many countries in my life.

I used to be able to dance the Tango.
I will have been able to finish by tomorrow.

EXERCISES

1. The music teacher ___________ play the piano very well. She plays every
class.
a) can
b) could
c) will be able to

2. When I was a child, I ___________ run faster than I can run now.
a) can
b) could
c) can't
3. After my classes, I ___________ speak English very well.
a) can
b) could
c) will be able to

4. My brother ___________ drive a car. He does not have his license.

a) can
b) could
c) can't
d) couldn't

5. I didn't have much time last night, so I ___________ finish my homework.

a) can
b) can't
c) could
d) couldn't

6. She has to work tomorrow, so she ___________ come to the party.

a) can
b) couldn't
c) wasn't able to
d) won't be able to

7. ___________ you hear the music? It is very quiet.

a) Can
b) Could
c) Will be able to
c) Couldn't

8. He ___________ come to class yesterday because he had a doctor's

appointment.
a) can
b) can't
c) could
d) couldn't

9. My boss ___________ meet with us tomorrow. He will be away all day.

a) could
b) wasn't able to
c) won't be able to
d) will be able to

10. This book is very small. I ___________ read the words on the page.
a) can't
b) couldn't
c) wasn't able to
c) could