Grammar Basics
What is the meaning of “be able to”?
It means to have the ability or possibility to do something.
Use “be able to” in a sentence in the present.
“I am able to speak English.”
How do we say “can” in the future?
“Will be able to.”
Use “be able to” in a sentence about school.
“I’m able to concentrate better in the morning.”
What’s the difference between “can” and “be able to”?
“Can” is a modal verb (used mostly in present/future), “be able to” works in all tenses.
Which verb tense is used in “was able to”?
The past tense of “be.”
Use “be able to” in a sentence in the past.
“She was able to solve the problem.”
Complete: “I will ___ able to visit you tomorrow.”
be
Use “be able to” in a sentence about sports.
sports.“He was able to run faster after training.”
Correct this sentence: “He can be able to drive.”
Correct: “He is able to drive.”
What word replaces “can” in the past?
“Was/Were able to.”
Change this sentence to the past: “I am able to swim.”
“I was able to swim.”
Make a sentence with “will be able to.”
“We will be able to travel next year.”
Use “be able to” in a sentence about technology.
“We are able to communicate through the internet.”
Explain when we prefer “be able to” instead of “can.”
When we need different tenses (past, perfect, or future). Example: “I have been able to...”
Complete: “She ___ able to finish her homework yesterday.”
was
Make a negative sentence with “wasn’t able to.”
“He wasn’t able to finish the exam.”
How do we say “could” in the future tense?
“Would be able to.”
Use “be able to” in a sentence about traveling.
“She will be able to travel to Japan next summer.”
Make a sentence in the present perfect using “been able to.”
“I have been able to finish all my work.”
Is “be able to” a modal verb or a verb phrase? Explain.
It’s a verb phrase (it uses the verb to be + able to + base verb).
Write a question using “were you able to...?”
“Were you able to find your keys?”
Write a sentence using “might be able to.”
“I might be able to come to your party.”
Use “be able to” in a sentence about helping someone.
“They were able to help the lost child find his parents.”
Make a sentence in the past perfect using “had been able to.”
“She had been able to walk before the accident.”