Modal Verbs: Ability and Possibility

Modal Verbs: Ability and Possibility

• Can/ Could
• Can is a modal verb, only has a present, past and conditional form (can also be used with a future meaning)
• Examples:
• "I can speak Spanish very well."
• "She could play the violin when she was three."
• "She can't come tonight. She's ill."
• "They couldn't wait because they were in a hurry."
• "Could you open that door, please."
• Be Able To + Infinitive
• Can be used in the present, past, future, present perfect and as a gerund or infinitive
• More formal than can/ could
• Examples:
• "I am able to accept your invitation."
• "They weren't able to come."
• "I'll be able to practice y english in London."
• "She has been able to speak French since she was a child."
• "I'd like to be able to ski."
• "I love being able to sleep late at weekends."