Editor: Teacher Zhu Reviewer: Teacher Wang Suitable for: Middle school students and parents, English teachers, etc.
Distinguishing Between Be Able To and Can
Knowledge Point Overview
Both can express “can; able to” followed by the base form of the verb. When indicating “ability” in the present and past, they can be interchangeable. However, there are some differences:
Be able to can be used in various tenses and can follow infinitives and modal verbs; it cannot be used to express conjecture.
Can can be used in negative sentences to indicate conjecture.
Directed Practice on Knowledge Points
1.I_______(be) able to______(go) fishing with my father last Sunday.
2. She_______(be) able to play the piano well.
3. They_______(be) able to visit London last year.
4. She was able to fly kites when she was seven.
= She_______fly kites when she was seven.
5. Take it easy. I am sure she_______work it out soon.
A. will can
B. will be able to
C. be able to
6. She_______be our history teacher, because she is in Beijing now.
A. can’t
B. could not
C. isn’t able to
7. You_______learn another foreign language in two years.
A. will can
B. are able to
C. will be able to
Answers↓
-
was, go
-
is
-
were
-
could
-
B
-
A
-
C
Author: Teacher Wang Xinggang (WeChat Official Account|Toutiao|Douyin: Teacher Wang’s English Teaching), an English teacher with 16 years of teaching experience. This account regularly shares articles that include the organization and analysis of middle and high school English knowledge, explanations and summaries of key points for high school entrance exams. The articles are mainly aimed at students preparing for middle and high school entrance exams, sharing practical English knowledge that students can truly use, especially suitable for middle and high school students who can learn independently after the double reduction policy!If you like it, feel free to share it in your circle of friends~