Modal Verbs: Can, Could, and Be Able To
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following sentences correctly uses a modal verb or modal phrase to express future ability?

  • I could finish the project by tomorrow.
  • I will can finish the project by tomorrow.
  • I will be able to finish the project by tomorrow. (correct)
  • I can to finish the project by tomorrow.

The modal verb 'can' is appropriate for formally requesting permission from a superior.

False (B)

Rewrite the sentence using 'be able to': 'She can play the piano since she was five.'

She has been able to play the piano since she was five.

You __________ catch the earlier train if you hurry; it leaves in five minutes.

<p>can</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the modal verbs with their primary function in given sentences:

<p>Can you help me? = Requesting assistance (informal) Could you pass the salt? = Requesting assistance (polite) You can borrow my notes. = Giving permission I can solve this problem. = Expressing ability</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence does NOT express ability?

<p>Can you please close the window? (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The sentences 'I can to help you' and 'I will can help you' are grammatically correct.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Replace the phrase 'not able to' with its modal equivalent in this sentence: 'Due to the плохая weather, we were not able to go hiking.'

<p>couldn't</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is a Modal Verb?

An auxiliary verb expressing ability, possibility, permission, or obligation.

What are Modal Phrases (Semi-Modals)?

Phrases that function like modal verbs, often using 'to'.

What does 'Can' express?

Expresses the capacity to do something in the present or future.

What does 'Could' express?

Expresses past ability or a polite request.

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What does 'Be Able To' express?

Indicates ability, often used to specify tense more clearly than 'can' or 'could'.

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What does 'May/Might' Express?

Indicates possibility or permissibility.

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What does 'Must/Have To' express?

Used to express obligation or necessity.

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What does 'Will/Would' express?

Expresses future intention or a polite request.

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Study Notes

  • Modals are auxiliary verbs expressing ability, possibility, permission, or obligation.
  • Modal phrases (semi-modals) combine auxiliary verbs and "to" to express the same concepts.
  • Common English modals and semi-modals: can, could, be able to, may, might, shall, should, must, have to, will, would.

Can, Could, Be Able To

  • These express ability or lack of ability, and possibility or impossibility.
  • They are also used to ask for or give permission.

Ability / Lack of Ability

  • Present and Future: use "can / can't + base form of the verb".
    • Example: Tom can write poetry very well.
    • Example: Lisa can't speak French.
  • Present and Future: use "am / is / are / will be + able to + base form of the verb".
    • Negative forms: am not/ isn’t / aren’t/ won’t be + able to + base form of the verb
      • Example: Mike is able to solve complicated math equations.
      • Example: I won't be able to visit you next summer.
  • Past: use "could / couldn’t + base form of the verb".
    • Example: When I was a child I could climb trees.
  • Past: use "was / were + able to + base form of the verb".
    • Negative forms: wasn't / weren’t + able to + base form of the verb
    • Also use: hasn't / haven’t + been able to + base form of the verb
      • Example: I wasn't able to visit her in the hospital.
      • Example: He hasn't been able to get in touch with the client yet.
  • Note: "can" and "could" are not used with "to" or "will".
    • Incorrect: I can to help you this afternoon.
    • Correct: I can help you this afternoon.
    • Correct: I will (I'll) be able to help you this afternoon.

Possibility / Impossibility

  • Use "can / can't + base form of the verb".
    • Example: You can catch that train at 10:43.
    • Example: He can't see you right now. He’s in surgery.
  • Use "could + base form of the verb" to express possibility.
    • Example: I could fly via Amsterdam if I leave the day before.

Ask Permission / Give Permission

  • "Can + Subject + base form of the verb" (informal) is used to ask permission.
    • Example: Can you lend me ten dollars?
  • "Can + base form of the verb" (informal) is used to give permission.
    • Example: You can borrow my car.
  • "Could + subject + base form of the verb" (polite) is used to ask permission.
    • Example: Could I have your number?
    • Example: Could I talk to your supervisor please?

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Description

This lesson explains usage of modal verbs and phrases (semi-modals) to express ability, possibility, and permission. Focus is given to ‘can,’ ‘could,’ and ‘be able to,’ including examples in present, past, and future tenses. The lesson provides examples for expressing both ability and lack of ability.

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