Line英会話クラス

Lesson Plan March 15, 2024

Topic: Modal Verbs 01 - Ability

We use can, could, be able to and managed to (+ infinitive without “to”) to say that somebody is able to do something

Section A - Can / Can’t

Is used to say that somebody has the ability to do something in the present or future

• I can speak English.

• Can you speak Japanese?

• I’m sorry, I can’t come to your tonight.

Section B - Be able to

Is used to say that somebody has the ability to do something. Can is more usual than be able to in the present. However, can only has a present and a past form (could), so sometimes it it necessary to use be able to, for examples in the present perfect or infinitive.

• Are you able to speak any foreign language?

• I’m not able to come to the meeting tomorrow.

• I haven’t been able to sleep lately. (Present perfect)

• He would like to be able to sing. (Infinitive)

Section C - Could / Couldn’t

Is used to say that somebody had the general ability to do something int he past. General ability means something that you can do any time you want after learning it, for example, reading, swimming, etc. We often use could + see, hear, smell, taste, feel, remember, understand.

• My cousin could play the piano when she was five.

• My grandfather couldn’t swim.

• I couldn’t hear what she was saying.

• We could smell a fire.

Section D - Was able to / Couldn’t / Managed to

Is used to say that somebody had the ability to do something in a specific situation, for example win a game, escape a dangerous situation, lift something, etc.

• We were able to win the match.

• I wasn’t able to open the door.

• She couldn’t find you at the party.

• Did she manage to find you on the crowded platform?

Short 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.

Lesson Notes

• The umbrella he has is sturdy. It’s a well-built umbrella.

• Cherry blossoms in our area haven’t bloomed yet.

• With the rain earlier and the sun coming out now, I think the buds will swell quickly.

Vocabulary

• Sturdy; (adj) (of objects) well-built and strong

• Swell; (verb) (of plants and trees) rapidly grow and develop

Modal Verbs 01 - General & Specific Ability

We use “could” for general ability. In specific situations, use “was / were able to” (NOT could). See Section C and D for more information.

When using a negative form, we can use “couldn’t” in all situations.

• "Benjamin Franklin could speak English and French." (= general ability to do speak after learning it)

• "Patricia used to be a professional dancer. She could dance really well." (= general ability to do dance after learning it)

• “At the end of the long meeting, we were able to make a decision.” (= the ability to make a decision in a specific situation)

• Both pairs of sentences are correct; “couldn’t” can be used in both general and specific cases

• I didn't enjoy the show because I forgot my glasses. I couldn't see the actors.

• I didn't enjoy the show because I forgot my glasses. I wasn't able to see the actors.

• We really wanted to buy a new car last year, but we just couldn't afford it.

• We really wanted to buy a new car last year, but we just weren't able to afford it.