INTERMEDIATE LEVEL

WEEK 9 STUDY GUIDE

grammar:

“BE ABLE TO” FOR PAST/PRESENT/FUTURE ABILITY

I. We say was/were able to for past ability. It is equal to “could”.
Example They were able to ride a bike when they were 5 years old.
II. We say am/is/are able to for present ability. It is equal to “can”.
Example I am able to speak English and Spanish.
III. We say will be able to for future ability. It is the only form for future
ability.
Example She will be able to drive when she is 18 years old.

TIME CLAUSES
I. A clause is a group of words with a subject and a verb.
II. A dependent clause is a part of a sentence that depends on the other parts.
Example If it is sunny, I will go to the park.
III. A time clause is a dependant clause that begins with words like before,
after, when, or as soon as.
IV. If the meaning is future, the time clause is in the present simple.
Example After I eat, I will go to the store.