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ABILITIES (Can /be Able To) Present

The document discusses the differences between using "can" and "be able to" when talking about abilities. It states that "can" is only used in the present and past tense, while "be able to" can be used in all tenses. It provides examples of using each in the present, past, and future tenses. It also includes a practice exercise asking to choose the correct options to complete sentences and a conversation.

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Daniel Martinez
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123 views2 pages

ABILITIES (Can /be Able To) Present

The document discusses the differences between using "can" and "be able to" when talking about abilities. It states that "can" is only used in the present and past tense, while "be able to" can be used in all tenses. It provides examples of using each in the present, past, and future tenses. It also includes a practice exercise asking to choose the correct options to complete sentences and a conversation.

Uploaded by

Daniel Martinez
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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ABILITIES (can /be able to)

Can is only used in the present and past, while be able to is used on all tenses.

PRESENT

 to talk about general or present abilities.


- the students can speak English.
- Maria can’t ride a bike.
 Both can be replaced with be able to but can sounds more natural
- The students are able to speak English.
- Maria isn’t able to ride a bike

PAST

to talk about past abilities and with verbs or perception (feel, see, hear…)
- She could write in Arabic when she was younger.
- I couldn’t see that he was late.
 Both can be replaced with was able to.
- She wasn’t able to reach costumer support.
- They weren’t able to get to the movie on time.

FUTURE
-since can doesn’t have an infinitive form use be able to with future abilities.

 after will and be going to


- I will be able to speak perfect English soon.
- They are going to be able to run the marathon after a lot of training.

 after modals
- Fred might be able to wash your car.

after verbs like would like or want to


- I would like to be able to fly a helicopter.
- I want to be able to surf.
Choose the correct words to complete the sentences.

1. I would like (be able to/ to be able to) come tomorrow.

2. I (can’t/ couldn’t) see anyone I knew at the conference.

3. Have you (been able to/ be able to) speak to Carl in Denmark?

4. We might (can/be able to) help you now.

5. I (could/ was able to) speak to Mr Masood at the end of yesterday's workshop.

6. If John comes here tomorrow, he (is able to/can) help you.

Choose the correct words to complete the conversation.


Haven’t been could wasn’t Hadn’t been Couldn’t Can’t Won’t be

A. As soon as I arrived in the office, I ___ see there was a problem.

B. What was wrong?

A. We ___ log on to our computers.

B. Was it a virus or something?

A. No. IT were upgrading our PCs and they ___ able to finish the work.

B. I ___ able to log on yesterday either. Is it OK now?

A. No, the IT team ___ able to fix the problem so far.

B. So people still ___ use their computers?

A. Yes. It's possible that we ___ able to do any work for the rest of the week!

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