Lesson XI: Modals

A. Modal Action Forms in the Action Block Position A.1. Modals Indicate Ability Previous patterns: John is GOING to play the piano tomorrow. We HAVEN’T played the piano yet. CAN and COULD indicate ability: Modal Similar Meaning CAN BE (AM, ARE, IS)+ABLE+TO-AF COULD BE (WAS, WERE)+ABLE+TO-AF New pattern: … Modal-AF … … … Modal+Base-AF … … John CAN PLAY the piano. They COULD SPEAK Chinese TEN YEARS AGO. Exercise: A.1.1. Practice CAN and COULD Use CAN/COULD to rephrase the statements. For example: Peter is able to swim across the lake. PETER CAN SWIM ACROSS THE LAKE. I was able to help you ten days ago. I COULD HELP YOU TEN DAYS AGO. 1. Zhu is able to speak two languages fluently. 2. The workers were able to do the job. 3. She was able to play the violin well. 4. Mary and Peter were able to sleep during the party. 5. I' m able to ride a horse. 6. The students were able to understand English. 7. They' re able to speak Russian fluently. 8. We' re able to play football at any time.