Can, Could and To Be Able To...

Circle the correct answer. Checked your answers with your teacher.

1. I ______________ remember his name.

am not able to
can't
red herring

2. You'll be able to solve this, ______________?
can you
won't you
will you

3. Diana ______________ the piano.

can play
can to play
eats

4. Sorry, Teacher. I ______________do it yet.

wasn't able to
couldn't
haven't been able to

5. She ______________ come on holiday next month if her parents give her permission.

can't
could
will be able to

6. He ______________ pass the exam if he studied harder.

will be able to
can
would be able to

7. They ______________ go. The weather was too bad.

couldn't
can't
wasn't able to

8. The fishing boat sank but luckily all the crew ______________ save themselves.

were able to
could
wasn't able to

9. Can you lend me some money?
Sorry. I ______________. I haven't got any either.

can't
am not able to
couldn't

10. We ______________ go to the party. We're going to a wedding.

couldn't
won't be able to
will can't

Speaking English - Expressing ability with CAN, COULD, BE ABLE TO

Can / Be Able To - Exercises

Underline the correct form of 'can' "could" or 'to be able to' to complete the sentences below.

e.g. Tom -- was able to (buy) a new house last month.

e.g. Can they play (they/play) tennis well?

1. She _______________ (not/understand)the question yesterday.

2. Fred __________ (speak) Russian when he was six years old.

3. When __________________________ (you/come) tomorrow?

4. Unfortunately, they -- (weren't able to get OR couldn't get) the bread this morning.

5. I -- (wasn't able to OR couldn't play) golf last Thursday.

6. _____________ (you / speak) Japanese?

7. Will ______________________(he / come) to the party next weekend.

8. They ______ ___________ (get) tickets to the Rolling Stones concert last week.

9. How were _____________ (you / convince) him to come to the exhibition last week?

10. She (wasn't able to enjoy OR couldn't enjoy) the concert because of the noise outside.