Understanding Models of Ability in English

This video tutorial covers the models of ability in English, focusing on the use of 'can', 'can't', 'could', 'couldn't', 'be able to', and 'manage'. It explains how these terms are used to express abilities in different tenses and contexts, providing examples for each. The video also includes practice exercises to reinforce learning and concludes with a summary of the key points discussed.

Which of the following is NOT a model of ability discussed in the video?

• Will

• Manage

• Could

• Can

What is the primary use of 'can' and 'can't'?

• To express hypothetical situations

• To express present and future abilities

• To express future possibilities

• To express past abilities

How is 'could' used differently from 'can'?

• To express hypothetical situations

• To express future abilities

• To express past abilities

• To express present abilities

Which structure is used to express a missed opportunity in the past?

• 'Will have' + past participle

• 'Should have' + past participle

• 'Can have' + past participle

• 'Could have' + past participle

In which context is 'be able to' more commonly used than 'can'?

• In past tense narratives

• In informal spoken English

• In formal writing

• In hypothetical situations

Which of the following is NOT a correct use of 'be able to'?

• In future tenses

• In perfect tenses

• In continuous forms

• After another modal verb

What is the correct form to express a future ability?

• 'Will can'

• 'Will be able to'

• 'Will could'

• 'Will manage to'

What is the difference between 'couldn't' and 'wasn't able to'?

• No difference; they are interchangeable

• 'Couldn't' is more formal than 'wasn't able to'

• 'Couldn't' is for general inability, 'wasn't able to' for specific occasions

• 'Couldn't' is for specific occasions, 'wasn't able to' for general inability

Which verb is used to express success in doing something difficult?

• Can

• Manage

• Could

• Be able to

Which of the following sentences correctly uses 'manage'?

• He will manage finish the task.

• He can manage to finish the task.

• He managed to finish the task despite the challenges.

• He could manage to finish the task.