Modals of ability

• English
• Tertiary Education

 Modal verbs of ability

To express ability in the present we use can or am / is / are able to.

Yes

No

I don't know.

We use was/were able to talk about one particular occasion when someone succeed in doing something.

Yes

No

I have no idea.

We use could to talk generally about ability in the past.

yes

no

Huh?

We use manage when we succeed in doing something which is quite difficult to do.

Yes

No

I didn't manage to answer this question.

______ you understand basic economics when you were eight?

1. can
2. could
3. were you able

He _____ get to the meeting on time yesterday, as his car had broken down.

1. couldn't
2. could
3. can't

She's absolutely amazing - she's only seven and she ____ speak four languages.

1. could
2. can
3. is able to

He was delighted because he _____ find a taxi and get to the part on time.

1. could
2. was able to
3. is able to

I've searched everywhere for my keys, but I _____ find them anywhere.

1. can't
2. couldn't
3. wasn't able to

The bank manager _____ to discuss your loan today.

1. is able to
2. isn't able
3. can't

She _______ to get the top grade in the class, despite missing 90% of the classes.

1. was able to
2. could
3. managed

Manon wasn't able to think of any good ideas for a present. (COME)
Manon_________ with any good ideas for a present.

You were lucky that you didn't have an accident - you were driving so fast. (COULD)
You were lucky because _____ an accident - you were driving so fast.

Nobody wanted these toys, so I'll keep them. (RID)
I _______ these old toys, so I'll keep them.

Is It possible for me to take one of these apples? (HELP)
__________ to one of these apples?