Modals for ability

Modals for ability

can/could/be able to

Poll

Can you sing in English?

• Yes, I love it.

• No, I can't. I sing better in Spanish.

Poll

Could you walk when you were 1 year old?

• My mom says I could walk at that age.

• No, I couldn't. I learnt to walk somo months later.

Poll

Do you think you will be able to speak 3 languages some day?

• Yes, I definitely love languages.

• I'm not sure but I would like to try.

• No, I won't be able. Languages are not my thing.

Ability

Can/can't = Abilities in the present

Mauricio can draw very well.

Sofía can play tennis.

Miranda can dance really well.

My teacher can't play videogames.

could/couldn't = abilities in the past

I could walk when I was 1 year old.

I couldn't play a musical instrument when I was a child.

I could do difficult puzzles when I was little.

will be able to/won't be able to=future abilities

In 2 years, I will be able to speak fluent English.

I won't be able to take virtual classes without a new computer.

I will be able to cure people, when I study medicine.

Multiple Choice

_____carnivores crush bones with their teeth?

• Could

• Can

• Will be able to

Multiple Choice

______you crawl when you were a baby?

• can

• could

• will be able to

Multiple Choice

In the past, people _____refrigerate food.

• won't be able to

• can't

• couldn't

Multiple Choice

What ______do in 3 years?

• could you

• can you

• will you be able to

Poll

Is this information difficult to understand?

• Yes, I need another explanation.

• Not at all, I just need to practice a little.

• It's a piece of cake. Counting to 100 is more difficult.