Page 36 - pet225ebook_Neat

2.1.5 Modals of Ability

We use modals of ability to state what a

person or cannot do or to show their ability.

We can understand the modals of ability based on the table below

Modals of Abil- Modal verbs Examples
ity

Real ability Can, can’t (for current time) I can dance.

Could, couldn’t (past ability) I could play piano when I

was 7.

Will, won’t be able to (future abil-
ity) Hopefully I will be able to
travel around the world one
day.

Hypothetical Could, couldn’t (current hypothet- I couldn’t watch scary movie.
ability ical ability) I’d be scared.

Could, couldn’t (future hypothet- I could easily win this match.
ical ability) But, I was being easy on

you.

Could have, couldn’t have ( past I could have win this game if
hypothetical ability) I have enough time to prac-
tice.

33