There are three modal verbs used to show ability:
- Can
- Could
- Be Able To
Examples:
Present
- I can play the guitar.
- She can speak German.
* Can is always followed by a base verb.
Past
- I could sing very well when I was young.
- She could read when she was 2 years old.
Future
- I will be able to drive a car in 2 years.
- He will be able to buy a house next year.
"Able to" is used with many other verb tenses. Take a look at
these examples:
- I have been able to visit many countries in my life.
- I used to be able to dance the Tango.
- I will have been able to finish by tomorrow.
Negatives
Negatives are formed by using "not".
- I can not play piano.
- She can't play piano.
- She could not finish her homework last night.
- They couldn't finish their homework last night.
- I will not be able to go to the party tonight.
- Susan won't be able to go to the party tonight.
Questions
Questions are formed by changing the order of the words.
- Can you drive a car?
- Could he swim?
- Will Doug be able to bring his boots?
Notice that "will be able to" is separated when used in a
question:
- Will he be able to finish on time?
Practice modal verbs for ability with this test:
Modals of Ability Test
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Modal Verbs for Ability
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