CAN, COULD AND (BE) ABLE TO

EXCERCISES 26.1 1. George has travelled a lot. He can speak four languages. 2. I haven’t been able to sleep very well recently. 3. Sandra can drive but she hasn’t got a car. 4. I can’t understand Martin. I’ve never been able to understand him. 5. I used to be able to stand on my head but I can’t do it now. 6. I can’t see you on Friday but I will be able to meet you on Saturday morning. 7. Ask Catherine about your problem. She might can help you. 26.2 1. (Something you used to be able to do). I used to able to sing well. 2. (Something you used to be able to do). I used to be able to swim well. 3. (Something you would like to be able to do). I’d would like to be able to travel all time 4. (Something you have never been able to do). I’ve never been able to drive a big motorcycle. 26.3 1. I’m afraid I can’t come to your party next week. 2. When Tim was 16, he was a fast runner. He could run 100 metres in 11 seconds. 3. “Are you in a hurry?” No, I’ve got plenty of time. I can’t wait. 4. I was feeling sick yesterday. I couldn’t eat anything. 5. Can you speak up a bit? I can’t hear you very well. 6. “You look tired”. Yes, I couldn’t sleep last night. 26.4 1. A: Did everybody escape from the fire? B: yes. Although the fire spread quickly, everybody was able to escape. 2. A: Did you have difficulty finding Ann’s house? B: Not really, Ann had given us good directions and we were able to arrive easy. 3. A: Did you finish your work this afternoon? B: Yes. There was nobody to disturb me, so I was able to finish. 4. A: Did the thief get away? B: Yes. No one realized what was happening and the thief I was able 26.5 1. My grand father was very clever man. He could speak five languages. 2. I looked everywhere for the book but I couldn’t find it. 3. They didn’t want to come with us at first but we were able to persuade them. 4. Laura had hurt her leg and she couldn’t walk very well. 5. I looked very carefully and I could see a figure in the distance. 6. My grandmother loved music. She could play the piano very well.