1. Expressing Ability in English
In this grammar presentation, you will learn how to talk about:
Present Ability
Future Ability
Past Ability

2. Part 1: Modal Auxiliaries
Can & Could
Modals are special auxiliaries that have meaning. Can & could are used in English to describe our abilities.
Use can to talk about present or future abilities
Use could to talk about past abilities

3. Examples . . . Present Abilities: Melissa can type very quickly.
2. My friends know how to play the piano. They can play very well.
3. I can’t speak Italian, but I’d like to learn.

4. Future abilities:
1. The teacher can assist you after class if you have any questions.
2. We can help you move this weekend if you’d like.
3. You can improve your computer skills if you practice a lot this semester.

5. Past Abilities:
1. Two years ago, they couldn’t afford to buy a house in San Diego, but now they can.
2. The test was difficult. I couldn’t figure out some of the answers.
3. Sara couldn’t attend the party because she already had plans.

6. can can't Grammar Rules could couldn't
Use ___________ or _____________ to talk about:
Present (current) abilities
Future abilities
Grammar Rules
Use ______________ or ______________ to talk about:
Abilities in the Past
could
couldn't

7. What FORM of the main verb comes after CAN or COULD?
the simple form
speak
She can ____________ many languages.
When I was a child, I could ____________ very well.
simple form
swim

8. Final Note . . . I The class you The Students We everyone They He, she
Because CAN and COULD are auxiliaries, they are used with ALL subjects in English. For example:
CAN
learn English.
COULD I
The class
you
The Students We
everyone
They
He, she

9. Practice!
What are some abilities or skills that you currently have? What can you do?
--Share some examples with your class.
What were some abilities or skills that you had when you were a child? What things could you do?

10. Part 2: "Be able to" Let's review the verb BE . . .
Another way to talk about abilities in English is by using the expression:
BE ABLE TO.
This expression can be used to talk about present, future or past abilities. To change the tense, you must change the verb BE to the appropriate form.
Let's review the verb BE . . .

11. What are the present tense forms of the verb BE?AM I
He, she, it
3rd person singular
You, We, They
3rd person plural IS
ARE
What are the past tense forms of the verb BE? I
He, She, It
3rd person singular
You, We, They
3rd person plural
WAS
WERE

12. For the future form, use:
1) will be
Notice that it’s much easier to use WILL for the future.
2) is / am / are going to be
Now let's look at examples of
"be able to" in English . . .

13. Present Tense: I am able to give you a ride home today.
2. Sandra is able to work overtime at her job.
3. The students are able to study for free at ECC.
To make these sentences negative, simply put NOT after the verb “BE.” To practice, say these sentences in the negative form with your classmates.

14. Past Tense:
I was able to buy my new DVD player at a discount at Costco.
The students were able to practice the spelling and vocabulary words last week on the computer.
Now, say these sentences in the negative form with your classmates.

15. Future Tense:
1. Next Friday, you will be able to sleep late because it’s a holiday and we won’t have class.
2. They will be able to take a vacation next year if they start saving their money now.
3. The counselor is going to be able to meet with you later this afternoon.
Now, say these sentences in the negative form with your classmates.

16. Ready? Set? Practice! Good Luck!
Go to the following website address to practice the grammar:
Good Luck!