In this post, learners will find a short and simple explanation of how to use these three modal forms. Flip through the slides, and then do the grammar activity to make sure you have these structures under your belt.
Activity: Guess the Stories
Look at the cartoon panels and guess what happened in each one.
Use can, could, or be able to to describe the situation. You have two different stories. Here is the first one.
The Day We Got Lost in the Middle of Nowhere
What is happening in each panel? Here is how you should begin your story:
A couple was on a holiday who decided to go on a hiking tour. They were very fit, so they could walk and walk for hours without stopping. After a long time…
Story 2: The House They Could Afford
What’s happened?
Here is were you start your story:
A couple wanted to buy a house, but properties were so expensive. Finally, they were able to buy a little house, but it was rather run-down so…
Speaking Activity – An Achievement
Think of something you were able to do after effort. It can be something big or small.
Examples:
learning to drive, finishing a difficult course, fixing something, saving money, learning a skill, solving a problem.
Talk to your partner and answer these questions:
- What was the situation?
- What couldn’t you do at the beginning?
- What did you do to improve?
- What were you finally able to do?
Example:
At the beginning I couldn’t play the guitar very well. I practised every day and after a few months I was able to play my favourite song.
Let me know if you found this post useful and clear!
