Use able to / unable to [WS]

Modal Verbs: Could vs. Able To

Hi Superstars! Today, we're going to learn about two special ways to talk about what we can do. We'll use the words "could" and "be able to". Think of "can" and "could" as showing your amazing abilities! "Could" often talks about an ability you had in the past, like "I could ride a bike when I was little." "Be able to" is just another way to say "can" or "could". For example, instead of "I can play," you can say "I am able to play." It's like a cool language power-up! Let's see how it works!

The examples below show how to change sentences using "can" and "could" to the phrase "be able to" or "be unable to". Remember, "could" is often used for the past tense, so "be able to" will also change to show if we're talking about the past (like "was able to" or "were able to") or the present (like "am able to", "is able to", or "are able to").

Let's Practice! Use "able to" / "unable to"

Remember: "Could" usually means we're talking about the Past Tense.

  • 1. I can play. (Use able to)

    Ans. I am able to play.

  • 2. I could play. (Use able to)

    Ans. I was able to play.

  • 3. He could tell me. (Use able to)

    Ans. He was able to tell me.

  • 4. They could tell me. (Use able to)

    Ans. They were able to tell me.

  • 5. She can work. (Use able to)

    Ans. She is able to work.

  • 6. I can write a letter. (Use able to)

    Ans. I am able to write a letter.

  • 7. She could eat a mango. (Use able to)

    Ans. She was able to eat a mango.

  • 8. She could not eat a sandwich. (Use unable to)

    Ans. She was unable to eat a sandwich.

  • 9. I cannot dance. (Use unable to)

    Ans. I am unable to dance.

  • 10. I cannot write an essay. (Use unable to)

    Ans. I am unable to write an essay.

Difficult Words & Simple Meanings

  • Modal Verbs: Special helper verbs (like can, could, may, might, must, should, will, would) that add meaning to the main verb, often showing possibility, ability, permission, or obligation. Think of them as power-ups for your action words!
  • Could: A modal verb often used to talk about something you were able to do in the past (e.g., "I could swim when I was five") or to talk about a possibility (e.g., "It could rain later").
  • Able to: Means having the power, skill, means, or opportunity to do something. It's another way to say "can" or "could".
  • Unable to: Means not having the power, skill, means, or opportunity to do something. It's like saying "cannot" or "could not".
  • Present Tense: Talking about things happening now (e.g., "I am", "she is", "they are").
  • Past Tense: Talking about things that already happened (e.g., "I was", "he was", "they were").
  • Conjugations (for "be able to"): Changing the "be" part (am, is, are, was, were) to match who is doing the action and when it's happening.
  • Phrase: A small group of words that work together. "Able to" is a phrase.
  • Substitution: Swapping one word or phrase for another that means something similar (like changing "can" to "am able to").
  • Grammatical Accuracy: Using grammar rules correctly so your sentences are clear and make sense.
  • Enhance: To make something better or improve it.
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