4A Failure and succes

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Grammar: can, could be able to (ability and possiblity

CAN/COULD

CAN is a modal verb. It only has a present form (which can be used with future meaning) and a past or conditional form (COULD)

For all other tenses and forms, we use be able to + infinitive.

I can speak three languages fluently.

Jenny can't me tonight. She's ill.

My cousin could play the violin when she waas three.

Could you open the door for me, please?

BE ABLE TO + INFINITIVE

We use be able to + infinitive for ability and possibility, especially where there is not form of can, e.g. future, presente perfect, infinitive and gerund, etc.

Luke has been able to swin since he was three.

I'd like to able to ski.

I love being able to stay in bed late on Sunday morning.

You'll be able to practise your English in London.

We sometime use be able to in the present and past (instead of can/could), usually if we want to be more formal.

Fortunally, I am able to accept your invitation.

My colleagues weren't able to come to yesterday's meeting.

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-ed and ing adjectives

Adjectives ending in -ed

We use for the person who has the feeling (quem sofreu a ação, paciente)

I was frustrated that I couldn't scuba-drive

Adjectives ending in -ing

We use for the thing, situation, person that produces the feeling (quem/o que fez a ação, causou)

I couldn't join in the conversation, which was very frusting.

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Reflexive pronouns

We use reflexive pronouns (mysel, yourself, himself, herself, itself ourselves, yourselves, themselves) when:

the object of a verb is the sameas the subject

He taught himself Russian.

to empasize the subject of an action

We painted the kitchen ourselves.