Ability and possibility: can , could, be able to

Ability and possibility: can , could, be able to

Our daughter could play the piano when she was three.

Can/ could + infinitive

Can't/ couldn't+ infinitive

• I can speak three languages fluently.

• Estefania can't come tonight. She's away.

• Our daughter could play the violin when she was three.

• They couldn't wait because they were in a hurry.

• Can only has a present and past ( or conditional) forms.

• For all other tenses and forms use be able to + infinitive

Be able to+ infinitive

• Luke has been able to swim since he was three.

• I'd like to be able to ski.

• I love being able to stay in bed late on Sunday morning.

• Fortunately, I'm able to accept your invitation.

• My colleagues weren't able to come to yesterday's meeting.

Use be able to+ infinitive

• for ability and possibility, especially where there is no form of can

• in the present and past if we want to be more formal.

• 
  

• 
  

• 
  

Multiple Select

I've always wanted to ________ dance well.

• can

• be able to

Multiple Select

She's much better after her operation. She'll ______ walk again soon.

• can

• will be able to

Multiple Select

He hasn't ________ mend my bike yet. He'll do it tomorrow.

• been able to

• could

Multiple Select

It's the weekend at last! I love________ go out with my friends.

• can

• being able to

Multiple Select

When we lived on the coast, we used to _______ go to the beach every day.

• can

• be able to

Multiple Select

I__________ send any emails at the moment. My computer isn't working.

• can't

• am not able to

Multiple Select

I ________ read before I started school.

• could

• was able to

Multiple Select

I__________ send any emails at the moment. My computer isn't working.

• can't

• am not able to

Multiple Select

We won't __________ go on holiday abroad this year because of Coronavirus.

• can

• be able to

Multiple Select

Clara is pleased because she's finally _______ find a well-paid job.

• been able to

• could

Multiple Select

Mario _______ speak Portuguese fluently because he is a native speaker.

• can

• is able to

Multiple Select

My little brother __________ speak until he was nearly 2 years old.

• could't

• was not able to