Modals of Ability: Modal Verbs to Express Ability

Using modal verbs to express ability is important in English. This reference covers present, past, and future forms of modals of ability. You will find useful grammar rules, example sentences, and an ESL picture guide to help you understand the use of these verbs.

Modals of ability are key in making your English clear and effective. Dive into the detailed examples and visual aids provided to improve your grasp of how to express ability using verbs like can, could, and will be able to.

Modals of Ability
Modals of Ability – Created by 7ESL

Modals of Ability | Present Forms

Be Able to

Form: Is/am/are (not) able to + main verb

Usage: Used for positive or negative statements to show general or specific ability.

Examples:

  • James is able to cook steak.
  • David is not able to cook steak.

Can/Can’t

Form: Can/Can’t + main verb

Usage: Used for positive or negative statements to show general or specific ability.

Examples:

  • Richard can speak French fluently.
  • Gabriella can’t speak French fluently.

Modals of Ability | Past Forms

Be Able to

Form: Was/were (not) able to + main verb

Usage: Used for positive or negative statements to show general or specific ability.

Examples:

  • Max was able to swim fast when he was a young boy.
  • Jennifer was not able to dance when she was eight.

Could/Couldn’t

Form: Could/Couldn’t + verb

Usage: Could in positive statements is used for general ability. Couldn’t is used for general or specific abilities.

Examples:

  • could swim when I was six.
  • My sister couldn’t play the piano when she was five.

Managed to

Form: Managed to + verb

Usage: Used for specific abilities in one-time situations.

Example:

  • Police finally managed to catch the culprit.

Modals of Ability | Future Forms

Be Able to

Form: Will/won’t be able to + main verb

Usage: Used for general ability in the future.

Example:

  • Journalists will be able to preview the exhibition tomorrow.

Can/Can’t

Form: Can/Can’t + verb

Usage: Used for positive or negative statements to show general or specific ability in the future.

Examples:

  • can help you tomorrow.
  • can’t come to her birthday party.