EFI - File 4A - can, could, ba able to

​CAN, COULD, BE ABLE TO

ability and possibility​

English File Intermediate - File 4A​

​CAN/COULD

I can speak three languages fluently.

Jenny can't come tonight. She's ill.

My cousin could play the violin when she was three.

Thcey couldn't wait because rhey were in a hurry.

Could you open the door for me, please?

​BE ABLE TO

Luke has been able to swim since he was three.

l 'd Iike to be able to ski.

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

You'll be able to practise your English in London.

​BE ABLE TO (present and past)

Fortunately, l am able to accept your invitation.

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

​Now try and do the following quiz.

Multiple Choice

My little boy ___ speak until he was nearly two years old.

• couldn't

• wasn't able to

• both

Multiple Choice

I've always wantecl to ___ dance salsa.

• can

• be able to

• both

Multiple Choice

She's much better after her operation. She'll ___ to walk again in a few months.

• can

• be able to

• both

Multiple Choice

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

• could

• been able to

• both

Multiple Choice

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

• can

• being able to

• both

Multiple Choice

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

• can

• be able to

• both

Multiple Choice

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

• can't

• 'm not able to

• both

Multiple Choice

I ___ read before I started school.

• could

• was able to

• both

Multiple Choice

We won't ___ go on holiday this year because we need to spend a lot of money on the house.

• can

• be able to

• both

Multiple Choice

Linda's really pleased because she has finally ___ find a part-time job.

• could

• been able to

• both

Multiple Choice

Alex ___ speak Portuguese fluently after living in Lisbon for ten years.

• can

• is able to

• both