G

Grammartier

Premium English Grammar

A2 — Elementary+50 XP available

Interactive Grammar: Can and Be Able To quiz

Compare 'can' and 'be able to' — understand when to use each for ability in present, past, and future contexts.

Instant score after exercises · Full answer review · Learn by doing

Grammar Explanation · Authentic Examples · Practice Questions

Lesson progressNot started
Duration
~64 min
Questions
43
Level
Elementary

Overview

'Can' and 'be able to' both express ability, but 'be able to' can be used in more tenses. 'Can' is only present/future; 'could' is past general ability. 'Was/were able to' expresses managing a specific achievement in the past. 'Be able to' also follows modal verbs (might be able to).

Can vs. Be able to

  • presentShe can / is able to speak French.
  • pastHe could / was able to swim as a child.
  • futureShe will be able to drive after the lessons.
  • perfectHe has been able to manage teams since his promotion.

When to use each

  • Can/could = general ability or permission.
  • Was/were able to = succeeded on one specific occasion.
  • Be able to needed in tenses where 'can' doesn't exist (future, perfect, infinitive).
  • Formal writing often prefers be able to over 'can'.

Common Mistakes

  • ❌ I will can finish. → ✅ I will be able to finish.
  • ❌ She is able speak. → ✅ She is able to speak.
  • ❌ He has can drive for years. → ✅ He has been able to drive for years.

When to use

Skills

She has been able to work remotely since 2020.

Formal writing

The team was able to meet the deadline.

Progress

He will be able to lead the project next year.

Language ability

I could speak Italian as a child.

Multiple Choice

Choose 'can', 'could', or the correct form of 'be able to'

Multiple Choice15 questions
1She speak French when she was young.
2After months of practice, he play the guitar well.
3They searched for hours and eventually find the key.
4She run a marathon next year if she trains.
5'Be able to' is needed when we want to express ability .
6He not find a solution despite trying for hours.
7I finish the project by tomorrow if I work late.
8She swim before the lessons but now she can.
9In formal writing, is often preferred over 'can'.
10We complete the task without any help.
11He has manage large projects since his promotion.
12After the injury, she walk without assistance.
13 you understand the instructions?
14He has never remember faces well.
15She to play the piano by the age of six.

Fill in the Blanks

Complete with could, can, or the correct form of be able to

Fill in the Blanks10 questions
1She(could/can/was able to)swim when she was three years old.
2He has(could/been able to/can)speak Japanese for two years now.
3After training,(could/can/will be able to)run a marathon next year.
4She(couldn't/can't/wasn't able to)solve the problem at first.
5We(could/were able to/can)finish the task before the deadline.
6He(can/could/has been able to)play chess since he was eight.
7I(can/could/am able to)help you tomorrow if you need it.
8She(could/can/was able to)fix the machine after reading the manual.
9They(couldn't/can't/aren't able to)find the documents anywhere.
10He(can/could/is able to)speak four languages fluently.

Transform the Sentences

Replace 'can' / 'could' with 'be able to' or vice versa

Transform8 questions

1She can speak three languages. → → Use 'is able to'

2He could swim at the age of four. → → Use 'was able to'

3They will be able to attend the event. → → Use 'can'

4She was able to finish the report. → → Use 'could'

5I have never been able to whistle. → → Keep using 'be able to'

6Can you help me with this? → → Use 'are you able to'

7She can solve complex problems. → → Use 'is able to'

8He could not come to the meeting. → → Use 'was not able to'

Fix the Errors

Correct the mistake with can / could / be able to

Error Fix10 questions

1She could speaks French as a child.

2He has can play the guitar for years.

3They were able solve the problem.

4I will can finish by tomorrow.

5She is able speak three languages.

6He couldn't to attend the meeting.

7Can she to drive a lorry?

8We have been able to completed the task.

9She was able to won the competition.

10They could not to find a solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this lesson on can and Be Able To cover?

Compare 'can' and 'be able to' — understand when to use each for ability in present, past, and future contexts.

Which CEFR level is this lesson designed for?

This lesson is designed for Elementary (A2) learners and forms part of the Can and Be Able To section on Grammartier.

What is the best approach for studying this grammar topic?

Start with the definition, then study the examples carefully to understand how the pattern works in context. Practise identifying the structure in authentic sentences before producing your own — this recognition-first approach builds a strong foundation for accurate, confident use.

Your Grammar Learning Path

Follow the CEFR progression for this topic cluster.

  1. A1
    Interactive Grammar: Can and Cannot quiz
  2. A2
    Interactive Grammar: Can and Be Able To quizYou are here
  3. A2
    Interactive Grammar: Have to / Has to quiz
  4. A2
    Interactive Grammar: Making Suggestions quiz
  5. A2
    Interactive Grammar: Modal Verbs quiz
  6. A2
    Interactive Grammar: Modal Verbs for Future Possibility quiz

Before You Start

Make sure you're comfortable with these topics first.

Continue Your Grammar Journey

Ready for the next step? These lessons build on what you've learned.

Related Concepts

Deepen your grammar knowledge with these related A2 topics.

Related Grammar Lessons