Modals and Phrases of ability

Modals and Phrases of ability

By Himni Nugroho

Poll

Can you play a musical instrument?

• Yes

• No

• Not yet, I'm still learning

• I'm not interested in music

Open Ended

How do you say "Saya tidak bisa bermain piano saat saya masih kecil" in English?

• use be able to in present perfect, past perfect, modal, some verbs and preposition.

• Everyone should be able to swim.​

​be able to

• Use can in present tense and could in past tense

• I couldn't play the piano when I was a child, but I can play it very well now. ​

​can / could

General ability

Some text here about the topic of discussion

• use couldn't or wasn't able to

• I went to France last year, but I couldn't remember any word in French.

​in negative sentence

• ​don't use could: When I was in France last year, I was able to visit the Louvre.

• It was hard work, but I managed to finish the project.

​​in positive sentence

Specific past achievement

Some text here about the topic of discussion

Multiple Choice

I went to India last year but I ... take any picture because my camera was broken.

• cannot

• could not

Multiple Choice

... since he was a chlild.

• He's been able to swim

• He can swim

Multiple Choice

Katya needs to ... speak Japanese in her new job.

• can

• be able to

Multiple Choice

I'm scared of ... pass my exam tomorrow.

• not being able to

• cannot

Multiple Choice

I think everyone should ... drive. It's an important skill.

• managed to

• be able to