'Can', 'Could' and 'Be able to'

1. Ability: Can/Could/ was/were able to/ has/have been able to /will be able to

 example:

 I can ride a horse now.

 Last year , I couldn't ride a horse.

 I faced many difficulties to learn how to ride a horse but by the end I was able to ride it.

 Next year, I will be able to ride the most dangerous horses. 

2. Inability: Can't/ cannot,  wasn't/weren't able to, hasn't/haven't been able to, won't/ will not be able to

example:

 I can't / cannot swim.

3. Possibility: Can

 example:

The weather is cloudy, but we can go for a walk.

4. Impossibility: can't/ cannot

example:

 He is ill, he cannot / can't come today.

5. Request: Can/ could/ would/ will

example:

 Can/Could/Would/ Will you help me?

5. Permission: Can

example:

 Dad, can I go to the theatre with my friends this evening? 

 yes, you can

6. Prohibition: Cannot/ can't

example:

 No, you cannot/ can't go to the theatre.

Intermediate
English exercise "Modal verbs" created by bridg (22-03-2007) with The test builder
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1. Allan was able tocancould speak five languages, but he can write only two.
2. Last year, the boat sank in the ocean,but he were able tocouldwas able to swim and reach the shore.
3. The United Nation Organization hasn't been able tocan'twon't be able to make peace all over the world yet.
4. Last summer, Nina cannotcouldn'twasn't able to play the guitar at all.
5. The son has promised his parents that he will be able tocan pass his exam.
6. After several tries, the prisoner couldhas been able towas able to escape from prison.
7. They has been able towill be ablecan play hockey very well.
8. You couldn'tcannotwas not able to smoke in this room, it's not allowed.
9. Ten years ago, he escaped from his house, but his parents were able tocouldcan find him.
10. Please, was able towill be able toCan you give me a lift?