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Grammar reference

Modal Verbs

Modal Verbs: Ability and Possibility

Can, could, be able to, manage to.

b1

Explanation

Can describes present ability and could describes general past ability. For a single past achievement use was able to or managed to. Be able to supplies the forms that can lacks, such as the perfect and the infinitive.

Examples

  • She can swim two kilometres.
  • He could read music by the age of six.
  • We were able to finish before dark.

Common mistakes

  • Yesterday I could finish the report.

    Yesterday I was able to finish the report.

    Single past achievement takes was able to.

  • I will can help you.

    I will be able to help you.

    Can has no future form.

  • She can to drive.

    She can drive.

    No to after can.

More Modal Verbs

Modal Verbs: Obligation and Advice

Must, have to, should, ought to.

Modal Verbs: Deduction and Possibility

Must be, might be, cannot be, should have.

Modal Verbs: Permission and Prohibition

Can, may, be allowed to, must not.

Polite Requests and Offers

Could, would, will, shall.