be able to

Although we look at be able to here, it is not a modal verb. It is simply the

verbbe plus an adjective (able) followed by the infinitive. We look at be able
to here because we sometimes use it instead of can and could.
We use be able to:

to talk about ability

Structure of be able to
The basic structure for be able to is:

subject

be

able

to-infinitive

be used to
Ex: I am used to lots of noise.
Be used to something
Be used to doing
Be used to is an expression. It is not a tense. If I say "I am used to Thailand", it is
like saying "I am accustomed to Thailand."
Do not confuse be used to with with the special structure used to do. They have
different meanings.
Structure of be used to
The structure of be used to is:

subject

main verb
be

used to

Note that if the object involves a verb, we use the -ing form (gerund):

I am not used to being lied to.

object

He is used to working late.

We aren't used to taking the bus.

Are you used to cooking?

Why do we use -ing for a verb after be used to? Because we always use ing for
a verb after a preposition - and the to is a preposition.

Exercises:
Use be used to or be able to

1. I would like to

play the piano.

7. How long have you

8. I'll
9. Can you help me? I
10. Will Man

drive?
help you later.
never understand this.
live forever one day?