BE ABLE TO We sometimes use it instead of can and could, to talk about ability. Look this chart:
The structure of be able to is: subject + be + able + infinitive subject
be main verb
able adjective
infinitive
+
I
am
able
to drive.
-
She
is not
able
to drive.
able
to drive?
isn't
?
Are
you
Notice that be able to is possible in all tenses, for example: • I was able to drive... • I will be able to drive... • I have been able to drive... Notice too that be able to has an infinitive form: I would like to be able to speak Chinese.
If we say "I am able to swim", it is like saying "I can swim". We sometimes use "be able to" instead of "can" or "could" for ability. "Be able to" is possible in all tenses - but "can" is possible only in the present and "could" is possible only in the past for ability. In addition, "can" and "could" have no infinitive form. So we use "be able to" when we want to use other tenses or the infinitive. Look at these examples: • I have been able to swim since I was five. (present perfect) • You will be able to speak perfect English very soon. (future simple) • I would like to be able to fly an airplane. (infinitive)
BE ABLE TO PRACTICE (COPY THIS PAGE IN A NEW ONE AND COMPLETE THE EXERCISES, FILE IN YOUR DESK AND THEN SEND IT TO ME BY FACEBOOK. DON’T SHARE YOUR ANSWERS WITH ANYBODY)
I COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING SENTENCES WITH CAN/COULD/BE ABLE TO… AND WRITE THE NUMBER IN THE CIRCLES. 1. Carlos ……………..…. to play the guitar. 2. Super Boy ……………….. play very high. 3. When Jose was 8, he …….…………. ride the bicycle. 4. ……………… you sweep the floor? 5. My brother will ……………… to sing in the concert tomorrow.
6. Pete ……………… to play with cars, isn’t he? 7. I …………………. to answer all the exercise. 8. My friends have …………………..to win all the championships since 2012.
II CHOOSE ONE ALTERNATIVE TO COMPLETE THE SENTECE. 1. I ______________ remember his name.
(am not able to / can't)
2. You'll be able to solve this, ______________? ( won't you / will you) 3. Diana ______________ the piano. ( can play / can to play) 4. She ______________ come on holiday next month if her parents give her permission. (could / will be able to)