To indicate an ability in the distant past

(1)

EXTRA English 29 Camping

Grammatik und Übungen

Could

There are many ways to use the modal could. To indicate an ability in the distant past:

 I could run fast when I was a child.

 I couldn’t swim until I was 10.

To indicate an ability in the recent past:

 I could smell Eunice’s perfume on him!

 I couldn’t see anyone when I looked out of the window.

 Could you hear anything?

To indicate a possible future action:

 We could go to the cinema, if you like.

To indicate a hypothetical situation:

 I could live in Italy. (=I could imagine living in Italy and I would enjoy it.)

 I couldn't work in a butcher's shop.

 Could you do a survival test?

A. Complete the sentences about yourself, with could or couldn't.

1. I ___________ swim when I was five years old.

2. I ___________ imagine myself working on a farm.

3. I ___________ eat a hamburger right now!

4. I ___________ speak English when I was little

5. I ___________ live in New York. It’s / It isn't my kind of place.

Was able to

We use was able to to indicate an ability to do something on one occasion in the past.

 I was able to get some tickets for the show.

You can use either wasn't able to or couldn't. These sentences mean the same thing.

 I wasn't able to get any tickets for the show.

 I couldn't get any tickets for the show.

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A. Complete these sentences with could / couldn't or was / were able to.

1. Soon after he arrived in England, Hector _____ _ ________ get a job at Channel 9.

2. Bridget resigned because she __ ________ _ ___ work with Eunice any more.

3. Hector and Annie __ ____ ________ get married next year.

4. I waited for hours but I _________ _____ get in.

5. ______________ you ______________ to reserve a table at the restaurant for tonight?

Questions with shall

You can use shall in a question to ask for instructions.

 Where shall we put it?

 Shall I demonstrate, Bridget?

You can also use it to make a suggestion.

 Shall we go and try out some sleeping bags, Hector?

You can also use it to make an offer.

 Shall I make some spaghetti?

NOTE: Shall can ONLY be used in questions with I or we.

A. Read the sentences and then ask for instructions, or make a suggestion or an offer.

The food is ready. (Instruction) Where shall we eat it?

1. There's nothing on TV tonight. (Suggestion)

____ ______________________________________

2. The new bed has arrived. (Instruction)

________________ ___________________________

3. Is anyone thirsty? (Offer)

________________ ___________________________

(3)

4. There are a lot of people queuing to get in this restaurant. (Suggestion)

___________________ ________________________

5. I've finished cleaning the kitchen. (Instruction)

_________________ __________________________

6. It’s so dark in here! Can you see what you're reading? (Offer)

________________ ___________________________