Exercise 1

Choose the correct form of “can,  could, be able to” (affirmative or

negative). Use a form of “be  able  to”  only if a form of “can”  or “could” is
not possible.

can't
1. Can you read this for me? I   see (v) (nhìn) without (mà không
có) my glasses.

been able to
2. I've (I have) never   speak Spanish as well as my brother.

can
3. After 2 years in China, I   speak quite fluently (adv) (trôi chảy)
CAN now.

COULD 4. I hate 
not being able to
 understand my French neighbours.

BE ABLE TO 5. When he was 40, he   speak six languages.

ABILITY AND POSSIBILITY

were able to
6. After 6 hours climbing, we   reach the top of the mountain.

be able to
7. When I was a child I used to   stand on my head.

8. Yesterday I lost my keys and I looked for (v) (tìm kiếm) them everywhere, but
couldn't
I   find them.

could
9. Sally wasn't at home, but I   contact her at her office.

be able to
10. If you tell him your problem (vấn đề), he might   help you.

Exercise 2
Choose the correct options for each gap below. Use can or could if possible.

1. ___ lend me a pen, please? Choose TWO correct options

a.Can you

b.Could you

c.Are you able to

2. Not all countries ______ to manufacture high-quality products.

a.are able

b.can
c.could

3. She fell (ngã) into the river, but fortunately (may mắn) the firefighters ______
rescue (giải cứu) her. Choose TWO correct options

a.were able to

b.could

c.managed to (vượt qua khó khăn để có thể làm gì)

4. They ______ unlock the door and escape (trốn thoát).

a.can

b.could

c.managed to

5. When you called yesterday I ______ pick it up because I was in the shower.

a.couldn't

b.wasn't able to

c.can't

6. You _____ stay until late tonight if you want.

a.can

b.could

c.are able to

7. _____ work from home is a big advantage (lợi ích) for parents with young
children.

a.Caning

b.Being able to

c.To can

8. If you follow the instructions you should ______ set up the computer without
a problem.

a.be able to

b.can

c.could
9. I was alone all morning, so I ______ finish the book.

a.was able to

b.could

c.can

10. Police officers searched the area (khu vực) but he ______ get away.

a.managed to

b.can

c.could

Exercise 3
Fill in the gaps with the correct form of can,  could, be able to (affirmative
or negative).

Can/Could
1.  you help me with the bags, please?

be able to
2. I'm free (rảnh) tonight, so I'll (I’ll=I will)   come and help you.

be able to
3. I used to (đã từng)   touch (chạm) my toes when I was younger.

could/was able to
4. I remember my brother   draw much better than me.

weren't able to/couldn't

5. We   get a picture of the painting because cameras were not allowed.

Can
6.  I come with you to the party?

been able to
7. I haven't   sleep very well lately.

can/is able to
8. She says that she   speak five languages fluently (trôi chảy).

couldn't/weren't able to
9. We tried, but we   stop the fire.

could/were able to
10. He didn't want to come, but finally (cuối cùng) we   persuade (v)
(thuyết phục) him.
1. S + Modal Verbs + V0
 Modal Verbs không thể chia, chỉ có dạng hiện tại hoặc quá khứ.
 E.g: I could swim. (Khi dùng để chỉ khả năng could là quá khứ của can)
She can sing well.
They must stop when the traffic light turns red.
May I come in?
Could/Can you please bring it for me? (đề nghị, nhờ vả)

2. Like/love/hate + V_ing
 I like playing football.
 She loves watching movie.
 He hates eating fish.

3. S + (not) +(be)(chia theo thì ngữ pháp được sử dụng trong câu) able to + V0
 Present Simple Tense: S + am/is/are + able to + V0
E.g: She is able to speak English fluently.
I am not able to ride a bike.
 Past Simple Tense: S + was/were + able to + V0
E.g: He was able to climb the highest mountain in the world.
They weren’t able to get into house because they lost their key.

4. to + V0 (infinity)
 I used to live in Paris. (used to: đã từng)
 They encouraged people to reuse plastic bags.

5. Đối với những hành động trong quá khứ, không thể dùng
“could” để nói về một việc cụ thể mà phải dùng “be able to”