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GENERAL ENGLISH · GRAMMAR PRACTICE · INTERMEDIATE (B1-B2)
MODAL
VERBS 1 -
ABILITY
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1 Modal verbs for ability
We use can, could, be able to and managed to (+ infinitive without ‘to’) to say that somebody is able to
do something. Study the table below.
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INTERMEDIATE (B1-B2)
MODAL VERBS 1 - ABILITY
Dialogue
A: Can you speak Japanese?
B: I could speak it a few years ago. But since then, I haven’t been able to find a new teacher.
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INTERMEDIATE (B1-B2)
MODAL VERBS 1 - ABILITY
2 Practice 1: Can/can’t or be able to
Complete the sentences with the verbs below. If you cannot use ‘can/can’t’, use ‘be able to’ in the
correct tense or form.
help meet play relax run sing speak wait
1. I’m sorry, I can’t speak French.
2. I you for lunch tomorrow. I’m free all day.
3. John for months. His new job is very stressful.
4. Usain Bolt really fast. He’s the Olympic champion.
5. I might you with your homework if you’re having problems.
6. He used to well, but now he sounds awful.
7. I any more. Tell me the big news.
8. She the piano since she broke her arm two months ago.
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INTERMEDIATE (B1-B2)
MODAL VERBS 1 - ABILITY
3 Practice 2: General or speciőc ability
Complete the sentences below using ‘could/couldn’t’ or ‘was/were able to’ + the verbs in brackets.
1. Benjamin Franklin (speak) English and French.
2. I looked everywhere, but I (find) the right street.
3. (you/convince) her to go out with you?
4. Patricia used to be a professional dancer. She (dance) really well.
5. We (contact) you. Was your phone switched off?
6. At the end of the long meeting, we (make) a decision.
7. (you/hear) me last night? I was trying to be quiet.
8. My laptop wasn’t working properly, but in the end, I (fix) it.
In which of the sentences above can you use the structure ‘managed to’? Rewrite them.
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INTERMEDIATE (B1-B2)
MODAL VERBS 1 - ABILITY
4 Practice 3: Write and say
Write and say some sentences about you. Write about something ...
1. ...you have always wanted to be able to do (e.g. "I have always wanted to be able to sing like a
professional singer.")
2. ...you have never been able to do
3. ...you will be able to do well in the future
4. ...you didn’t manage to do last week
5. ...you could do well in the past
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TEACHER MATERIALS · INTERMEDIATE (B1-B2)
MODAL VERBS 1 - ABILITY
Key
1. Modal verbs for ability
5 mins.
Students read the grammar point. Prompt the class to ask follow-up questions about any elements that are unclear
at this stage. Ask students to read through the example dialogue in pairs.
2. Practice 1: Can/can’t or be able to
5 mins.
Students complete the gaps with the correct forms of the provided verbs. Circulate and help as needed.
1. can’t speak 2. can meet
3. hasn’t been able to relax 4. can run
5. be able to help 6. be able to sing
7. can’t wait 8. hasn’t been able to play
3. Practice 2: General or specific ability
5 mins.
Students complete the gaps with ‘could/couldn’t’ or ‘was/were able to’ and the provided verbs. Circulate and help
as needed.
Gaps:
1. could speak 2. couldn’t find
3. Were you able to convince 4. could dance
5. couldn’t contact 6. were able to make
7. Could you hear 8. was able to fix
Rewritten sentences:
2 - I looked everywhere, but I didn’t manage to find the right street.
3 - Did you manage to convince her to go out with you?
5 - We didn’t manage to contact you. Was your phone switched off?
6 - At the end of the long meeting, we managed to make a decision.
8 - My laptop wasn’t working properly, but in the end, I managed to fix it.
4. Practice 3: Write and say
5-10 mins.
Students practice using the modal verbs of ability by constructing sentences based on their own experiences.
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