Study the following notes and examples.
Can combines the ideas of possibility and ability. Be able is possible instead of can, but can is more usual. Can has only two forms: can (present) and could (past). So to be able to do something is sometimes used to replace the missing forms.
With reference to the past could is used to say that someone had the general ability to do something. (He could speak three foreign languages). When it is necessary to emphasize that someone managed to do something in one particular situation, was/were able to is used. (The fire spread quickly but everyone was able to escape). The negative couldn't is possible in all situations.
She can (is able to) speak (wo foreign languages (mental ability, capability).
They spoke in low voices and she couldn't hear what they were talking about (physical ability).
You can buy paper and pencils at the stationer's (possibility).
I can't wait any longer. My class starts in 5 minutes (absence of possibility ).
I could swim when I was 5.
David wasn't able to play in the match yesterday.
He had hurt his leg.
If you take a taxi you will be able to catch the train.
2.1.2. Insert can (can't), could (couldn't) or the appropriate form of to be able to.
1. I... play tennis in my youth, but I ... play it any more. 2. You ... buy powder and lipstick at the perfumer's. 3. If she has enough money, she ... go to the seaside. 4.1 am afraid I... settle this problem till Friday. 5. The vase was so beautiful that I... help buying it. 6. My grandmother liked music. She ... play the piano very well. 7. The noise was deafening. I... hear anything. 8. The tennis match wasn't easy but I... win it. 9. He didn't want to come but in the end we ... persuade him. 10. I work hard at French. I hope I ... speak French fluently in a couple of months. 11. No wonder Jack ... get to college. He is so hardworking. 12. Mrs. Lawrence has to wear glasses. She ... see very well. 13. Paul felt much better on Sunday, and so he ... play in the match. 14. It was dark. We ... see a thing. 15. They were whispering so I... hear what they were saying very clearly. 16.1... buy that book because Т didn't bring any money with me. 17. I'm sorry, but I won't come to the party on Saturday. 18.1... finish all the work vou wanted me to do yesterday. 19. The manager wasn't in the office for very long, but we ... to speak to him for a few minutes. 20. On entering the house I ... smell something burning in the kitchen. 21.1 am usually very good at tennis, but yesterday I ... beat my brother. 22. When we lived on the coast, we ... swim in the sea every day. 23. If you don't tell me what your problem is, I... help you. 24.1 got home early last night, so I... watch my favourite programme on TV. 25.1... eat anything when I was younger, but now I have to be more careful. 26. Fortunately he ... convince the police that he was innocent.
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2.2. CAN, COULD, MAY, WOULD
Study the following notes and examples.
May, like can, denotes possibility.
You may find his number in the telephone book. May, can and could are used to request permission. Can is used informally to request permission, especially if the speaker is talking to someone she/he knows fairly well. It is usually not considered as polite as may or could, which are equally polite. Would (you) is also used to express a polite request. The difference between Would (you) and Could (you) is slight.
Would you ~ Do you want to do this, please? Could you = Do you want to do this, please, and is it possible for you to do this? Would also expresses an offer.
Would you like an ice-cream? Can (could) you do me a favour?
Can (could) you tell me the way to the nearest post-office?
Can (could, may) I use your phone? Can (could, may) I borrow your dictionary?'- Yes, of course. (Certainly)
Can (may) I keep the dictionary till Monday?- No, you may not. (I am afraid not) Would you like a cup oj coffee? Would you pass me the salt, please?
Turn instructions into polite requests.
1. Give me your full name.
2. I can't hear you very well. Speak up.
3. Give me a little more time.
4. Tell me when you are ready.
5. Do the shopping on your way home.
6. Tell them that I called.
7. Give me some advice about buying a computer.
8. Wait here for just a minute.
9. Finish the work by yourself.
Complete the situation asking people to do something, asking for permission to do something or offering something.
1. The person in the next room has some music on very loud. How do you ask him politely to turn it down? (...?)
2. You are at a friend's. You want to make a phone call. (...?)
3. You need a clean sheet of paper. The student sitting next to you has got one. (...?)
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4. Your neighbour is going out for a walk. You want to ask her to post a letter. (...?)
5. A friend of yours has dropped in for a chat. You offer her some tea or coffee. (...?)
6 You are carrying a tray. Ask someone to open the door for you. (...?)
7 Your teacher has just explained a new grammar rule. You want to ask her a question. (...?)
8 A friend from another city phones to tell you she will be coming to your town for two weeks next month. You want her to stay with you.
MUST, HAVE TO, TO BE TO
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