Can Could And To Be Able To Exercise

Understanding Modal Verbs of Ability in English

Modal verbs like “can,” “could,” and the phrase “to be able to” express ability, possibility, and permission in English. These forms might seem similar, but they have distinct uses and rules. Let’s explore these important expressions through clear explanations and practical exercises.

The Difference Between Can, Could, and To Be Able To

Can – Present Ability and Permission

“Can” expresses present ability, possibility, or permission. It’s one of the most common modal verbs in everyday English.

Examples:
– I can speak three languages.
– She can solve difficult math problems.
– Can you help me with this task?

Could – Past Ability and Polite Requests

“Could” serves multiple functions:
– Past ability (general ability in the past)
– Polite requests
– Conditional possibilities
– Suggestions

Examples:
– When I was younger, I could run very fast.
– Could you pass me the salt, please?
– If I had more time, I could finish this project.

To Be Able To – Alternative Form with More Tenses

“To be able to” functions similarly to “can” but offers more flexibility with tenses that “can” doesn’t have.

Examples:
– I will be able to attend the meeting tomorrow. (future)
– She has been able to improve her English. (present perfect)
– They weren’t able to find the solution. (past negative)

When to Use Each Form

Special Cases and Common Mistakes

Specific Achievement in the Past

For a specific achievement or accomplishment in the past, “was/were able to” is preferred over “could.”

Correct: The firefighters were able to rescue everyone from the burning building.
Incorrect for this context: The firefighters could rescue everyone from the burning building.

Future Ability

“Can” has no future form, so we use “will be able to” instead.

Correct: After the surgery, she will be able to walk again.
Incorrect: After the surgery, she will can walk again.

Perfect Tenses

“Can” doesn’t work in perfect tenses, so “have been able to” is used instead.

Correct: She has been able to maintain her fitness routine for years.
Incorrect: She has can maintain her fitness routine for years.

Practice Exercises with Answers

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with can, could, or (to) be able to

1. _____ you hear the fireworks from your house last night?
2. Do you think you _____ write that report by Tuesday?
3. I _____ touch my toes when I was younger, but I can’t anymore.
4. She _____ speak French fluently after living in Paris for just one year.
5. We haven’t _____ find a solution to this problem yet.

Answers:
1. Could/Were you able to
2. will be able to
3. could
4. was able to
5. been able to

Exercise 2: Choose the correct form

1. Samuel _____ jump very high even when he was at school.
a) can
b) could
c) is able to

2. Sorry, but I _____ meet you tomorrow.
a) can’t
b) couldn’t
c) won’t be able to

3. Matthew _____ show you a lot of different things when you visit him.
a) can
b) could
c) will be able to

4. Despite the heavy traffic, we _____ arrive on time for the meeting.
a) can
b) could
c) were able to

5. After taking lessons for a year, she _____ play the piano quite well.
a) can
b) could
c) has been able to

Answers:
1. b) could
2. c) won’t be able to
3. a) can
4. c) were able to
5. c) has been able to

Modal Verbs of Ability Quiz

Test your understanding with this comprehensive quiz:

1. _____ he understand what you were talking about?
a) Can
b) Could
c) Is able to

2. My sister _____ play tennis now.
a) can
b) could
c) is able to

3. I _____ walk when I was less than a year old.
a) can
b) could
c) was able to

4. We _____ see the mountains from our hotel room next week.
a) can
b) could
c) will be able to

5. They _____ solve the problem despite trying for hours.
a) can’t
b) couldn’t
c) weren’t able to

Answers:
1. b) Could
2. a) can
3. b) could
4. c) will be able to
5. c) weren’t able to

Common Contexts and Examples

Physical Abilities

– I can swim across the lake.
– She could dance professionally when she was younger.
– After practice, he has been able to improve his running speed.

Mental Abilities

– He can solve complex equations quickly.
– I could remember phone numbers easily as a child.
– She’s been able to learn three languages so far.

Overcoming Obstacles

– Despite the storm, they were able to reach the summit.
– I couldn’t see in the dark, but I was able to find my way using my phone.
– Will you be able to finish the project despite the tight deadline?

Practical Applications in Daily Conversations

Tips for Mastering Can, Could, and To Be Able To

1. Remember that “can” is limited to present and past tenses only.
2. Use “to be able to” when you need future forms or perfect tenses.
3. For specific achievements in the past, prefer “was/were able to” over “could.”
4. Practice identifying contexts where each form is appropriate.
5. Listen to native speakers and notice how they use these forms in everyday conversation.

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between “can,” “could,” and “to be able to” is essential for expressing ability and possibility correctly in English. While “can” and “could” are more common in everyday speech, “to be able to” provides necessary flexibility for tenses that the modal verbs cannot form on their own. Regular practice with these forms will help you use them naturally and accurately in your English communication.

By working through the exercises provided, you’ll gain confidence in choosing the right form for each context. Remember that language mastery comes through consistent practice and application in real-life situations.