Learn English > English lessons and exercises > English test #27021: Modal verb can

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Modal verb can

Hello everybody !

English people use CAN in the present tense only ! So for most other tenses English people need to use a form in BE ABLE TO.

I CAN play tennis = I am able to play tennis

=> But we don't usually use BE ABLE TO in the present tense !

For the future English people use WILL/WON'T BE ABLE TO.

For the present perfect English people use HAVE(N'T) / HAS(N'T) / BEEN ABLE TO.

For the past English people use WAS(N'T) / WERE(N'T) / ABLE TO or COULDN'T.

=> There is no difference in meaning between the negative forms ( WASN'T/WEREN'T ABLE TO and COULDN'T).

But there is a difference in meaning between the affimative forms ( WAS/WERE ABLE TO and COULD).

English people use COULD for general ability in the past, during a period of time, but WAS/WERE ABLE TO for success in one situation.

OK ?

Good luck for the following exercise ...

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1. you swim when you were a child ?

2. I finish my homework yet.

3. you remember where I have put my keys ?

4. John meet you tomorrow afternoon.

5. We find anywhere good to eat last night.

6. I'm sorry but I come to your party.

7. We were very lucky.We go to France for our holiday.

8. You smoke in here. My mother hates cigarettes.

9. I study with loud music. I need silence !

10. Peter and James play tennis very well when they were children.

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