What does it mean?
Use can for present ability. Use can't for present negative ability. Use could and couldn't for general past ability. Use be able to for future ability and for one successful past action.
I can swim.
I can't drive.
I could read when I was five.
I was able to finish the race.
Ask: present, past, future, or one successful action?
Present abilitySara can draw.She has the skill now.
Past general abilitySara could draw when she was little.She had the skill before.
Successful actionSara was able to finish the picture.She succeeded one time.
Use can for present ability.
I can read Arabic.I know how to read it.Able to do it.
Maha can draw well.She has the skill.Ability.
They can solve the puzzle.They know how to solve it.Ability now.
Use can't for present negative ability.
I can't reach the shelf.It is too high for me now.Not able now.
He can't swim yet.He is still learning.Not able now.
We can't open this jar.It is too tight.Not able now.
Use could and couldn't for general past ability.
I could ride a bike when I was six.I had this skill before.Past ability.
She couldn't speak English then.She did not have the skill before.Past negative ability.
They could play for hours.They were able to do it often.General past ability.
Use was/were able to for one successful past action.
The door was stuck, but I was able to open it.I succeeded one time.Finished action.
They were able to win the match.They managed to win.One success.
CarefulUse could for general past skill, not usually for one special success.Choose was/were able to.
Use will be able to for future ability.
I will be able to drive next year.I cannot drive now, but I can in the future.Future ability.
She won't be able to come tomorrow.She cannot come in the future.Future negative.
Will you be able to help?Ask about future ability.Question form.
Compare could and was able to.
I could swim when I was young.A general past skill.Many times.
I was able to swim across the river yesterday.One successful action.One time.
I couldn't open the door.Negative can be general or one time.Couldn't is OK.
Use the base verb after can and could.
CorrectShe can play.
He could run.
We will be able to go.Good forms.
He could run.
We will be able to go.Good forms.
Not correctShe can plays.
He could to run.
We will can go.No -s. No to. No will can.
He could to run.
We will can go.No -s. No to. No will can.
CarefulAfter will, use be able to.will be able to, not will can.
Choose the correct form.
I ___ across the pool now.
Choose the correct form.
The shelf is too high. I ___ it.
Choose the correct past ability word.
When I was five, I ___ read simple books.
Which sentence shows one successful past action?
Choose the best sentence.
Which sentence shows future ability?
Choose the best sentence.
Fill five blanks.
Choose the correct form. Think about present ability, past general ability, future ability, and one successful action.
Ali English and Arabic.
This box is too heavy. I it.
When Dad was young, he very fast.
The door was stuck, but Maha it.
Next year, I the team.
Mixed question types of 5
Answer all five. Then tap Finish test to see your result sheet.
1. Sentence completion
Sara ___ very fast now.
2. MCQ
Which sentence shows general past ability?
3. Type the answer
Yesterday, we ___ open the old door.
4. Type the answer
Next month, I ___ visit you.
5. MCQ
Which sentence shows one successful past action?
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