Can / Could / Be Able To
Three forms cover ability, possibility, and permission in English: can for present ability and permission (She can speak three languages, Can I ask you something?), could for past ability and polite requests (When I was younger, I could run a marathon, Could you send me the report?), and be able to for the gaps where can and could can’t go — futures, infinitives, and stacked modals (She might be able to help, I will be able to attend next week). The critical distinction at A2–B1: could describes general past ability (She could swim well as a child); was/were able to describes a specific success on one occasion (She was able to finish the report despite the interruptions).
This worksheet builds A2–B1 control of ability and possibility forms in everyday and workplace contexts.
Worksheet preview
What’s inside:
- Grammar Box with the three forms in their core uses, plus the could / was able to distinction for past ability
- Gap-fill: complete sentences with can, can’t, could, couldn’t, be able to in present, past, and future contexts
- Multiple-choice: distinguish general past ability (could) from specific success (was able to)
- Personalised production: write five things you can / could / will be able to do at different stages of your life
- Full Answer Key plus Teacher Notes on the no-stacking rule (will can → will be able to)
Common mistakes addressed: stacking modals (will can attend), missing to in be able to (be able attend), -s on the modal (she cans), and using could for a one-off past success (She could finish the report despite interruptions where was able to is needed).
For: Adult and teenage learners (14+) at CEFR A2–B1, in pre-intermediate and intermediate classes, 1:1 lessons, or self-study. Can / could / be able to are tested directly in Cambridge A2 Key (KET) and B1 Preliminary (PET) — particularly in Speaking, where requests, ability descriptions, and polite enquiries are recurring functional needs. Part of the Modal Verbs collection — the natural next step is Must / Have To / Should, which moves into obligation and advice.
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