Learn about using can and could.

Practice 1: can, could and be able to

Choose one word to complete each sentence (note: contractions such as "couldn't" count as one word).

  1. I'm right-handed. I write with my left hand.
  2. Spiderman climb up walls.
  3. you usually remember your dreams?
  4. People used to think that witches able to do magic.
  5. When I was young I eat anything I liked, I never got fat.
  6. you able to come to the pub tonight?
  7. I think my computer's broken. I'm not to send any emails.
  8. I'm able start work tomorrow.
  9. How long have you able to speak English?

Practice 2: past, present or something else?

Choose the best expression to complete these sentences.

  1.  swim since I was 11.
  2. I'm an interpreter. I  speak 7 different languages.
  3.  drive very well. I failed my test again today.
  4. One day I  run a marathon, but I need to practise first.
  5. I would love to  see the future.
  6. I live in Florida. I love  go to the beach every day.

Practice 3: general ability or specific occasion?

Choose the best answer to complete these sentences. If both answers are possible, choose both! Read the grammar rules again here if you can't remember them!


  1.  find a birthday present for my mum this year.
  2. The ambulance arrived quickly and they  save everyone.
  3. It was really noisy, so I  sleep last night.
  4.  type 40 words a minute when I was a student.
  5. I crashed my car, but the mechanic  fix it.
  6. Some dinosaurs  walk on two legs.
  7. Although I woke up 40 minutes late, I  get to work on time.