Modal verbs

MODAL VERBS

Can - Could - Be able to

S T A R T

Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs (also called helping verbs) like can, could. After a modal verb, the root form of a verb is generally used. The word 'to' should not appear after a modal verb.

Modal verbs add meaning to the main verb in a sentence by expressing possibility, ability, or permission.

Modal verb

Can

Could

Be able to

Expresses

-Ability-permission -Possibility

-Ability in the past-Polite permission -Possibility

-Ability-Possibility

'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'.

CAN - COULD

Ability, possibility, and permission

2020

-I can speak three languages fluently. Jenny can’t come tonight. She’s ill.

-My cousin could play the violin when she was three. -They couldn’t wait because they were in a hurry. -Could you open the door for me, please?

We use be able to + infinitive for ability and possibility, especially where there is no form of can, e.g. future, present perfect, infinitive and gerund, etc

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

BE ABLE TO + INFINITIVE

Ability and possibility

2020

-Luke has been able to swim since he was three. -I’d like to be 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.

-Fortunately, I am able to accept your invitation. -My colleagues weren’t able to come to yesterday’s meeting.

DIFFERENT TENSES

+ I N F O

Past or conditional

Infinitive and gerund

Perfecttense

Presenttense

Futuretense

CAN

COULD

BE ABLE TO

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

TEACHER PRIX

MODAL VERBS

80% English grammar

2018

Modal verbs! Learn how to use Can, Could and Be able to! In this video I will show you how to use these modal verbs and how to use the verb Be Able To.

Many students get confused when it comes to modal verbs. It is a very nice subject and there are more things for me to talk about.

+info

LET'S PRACTICE!

+make sentences

Could

Can

Be able to

Think of two things you've done recently, and two things you'd like to do in the future.

Talk about abilities you had when you were younger

Make three questions asking for permission