Modal Verbs - Unit 15

LOS CURSOS DE INGLES GRATIS PREFERIDOS POR LOS HISPANOHABLANTES

 

EXERCISE A

Use CAN or BE ABLE TO. Sometimes it is possible to use either; sometimes only BE ABLE TO is possible.

Examples:  
 George has traveled a lot. He can (or is able to) speak four languages.
I haven't been able to sleep very well lately.
 

1.

Tom (drive), but he doesn't have a car.

2.

I can't understand Martin. I've never understand him.

3.

I used to stand on my head, but I can't do it now.

4.

 Ask Ann about your problem. She should help you. 

EXERCISE B

Complete the sentences with COULD.

Example:   I can't sing now, but I could sing very well when I was a child.
 

1.

He can't play tennis very well now, but he fairly well when he was younger.

2.

She can't run very fast now, but when she was in school she faster than anyone else.

3.

 I can't swim very far these days, but ten years ago I from one side of the lake to the other.
 
 

EXERCISE C

Answer the questions with WAS / WERE ABLE TO.

Example:   Did you persuade them? Yes, it was difficult, but we were able to persuade them.
 

1.

Did they find your house?
Yes. It took them a long time, but they .

2.

Did you win the match?
Yes. It wasn't easy, but I .

3.

 Did the thief escape?
Yes. The police officer chased the thief, but he .
 

EXERCISE D

Complete each sentence with COULD, WAS/WERE ABLE TO or COULDN'T.

Examples:  
My grandfather was very clever. He could (or was able to) speak five languages.
I looked everywhere for the book, but I couldn't find it.
The fire spread quickly, but everyone was able to escape.
 

1.

He had hurt his leg, so he walk very well.

2.

She wasn't at home when I called her, but I contact her at her office.

3.

I looked very carefully, and I see a figure in the distance.

4.

They didn't have any tomatoes in the first store I went to, but I get some in the next store.

5.

My grandmother loved music. She play the piano very well.

6.

 The boy fell into the river, but fortunately we rescue him.
 

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