Can, Could and Be able to Exercises

UNIT 25 Can, Could and Be able to Exercises.

25.1   Use can or be able to. Sometimes it is possible to use either, sometimes only be able to
is possible.

Examples: George has traveled a lot. He can or (is able to) speak four languages.
                   I haven't been able to sleep very well lately.

1.   Tom_________________________________drive, but he doesn't have a car.

2.   I can't understand Martin. I've never___________________________________understand him.

3.   I used to______________________________________stand on my head, but I can't do it now.

4.   Ask Ann about your problem. She should________________________________help you.


25.2   Complete the sentence with could . . .

Example: I can't sing now, but I could sing very well when I was a child.

1.   He can't play tennis very well now, but he__________________________fairly well when he was younger.

2.   She can't run very fast now, but when she was in school she__________________________faster than anyone else.

3.   I can't swim very far these days, but ten years ago I____________________________ from one side of the lake to the other.                        


25.3   Answer the questions with was/were able to
Example: Did you persuade them?
                  Yes. It was difficult, but we were able to persuade them.

1.   Did they find your house?

Yes. It took them a long time, but they_________________________________________________

2.   Did you win the match?

 It wasn't easy, but I______________________________________________

3.   Did the thief escape?

Yes. The police officer chased the thief, but he_______________________________________


25.4   Complete each sentence with could, was/were able to, or couldn't.

Examples: My grandfather was very clever. He could (or was able to) speak five languages.
                    I looked everywhere for the book, but I couldn't find it.
                   The fire spread quickly, but everyone was able to escape.

1.   He had hurt his leg, so he_________________________________walk very well

2.   She wasn't at home when I called, but I___________________________contact her at her office

3.   I looked very carefully, and I _______________________see a figure in the distance

4.   They didn't have any tomatoes in the first store I went to, but I___________________________get some in the next store.

5.   My grandmother loved music. She_______________________________play the piano very well.

6.   The boy fell into the river, but fortunately we_______________________________rescue him.