Can and could (ability) practice

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. I  swim since I was 11.
2. I'm an interpreter. I  speak 7 different languages.
3. I  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. Remember, sometimes both answers are possible - read the grammar rules again here if you can't remember them!


1.  I  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. I  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.