The document discusses expressing ability in English using modal verbs like "can", "could", and "be able to". It provides examples of sentences using these verbs to talk about abilities in the present, past, and future. The key verbs are: using "can" to express ability in the present, "could" to express ability in the past, and "be able to" or "will be able to" to express ability in any other context like the future.

1. Expressing ability GRAMMAR

2. Abilities Work in pairs. Complete the sentences with “can”, “could” or “will be able to” or their negative forms so they are TRUE FOR YOU. You have 10 minutes. I ………………………….. ride a bike when I was 6 years old. I ………………………….. take pictures with my phone. I ………………………….. retire when I’m 65. I ………………………….. write my name when I was 2 years old.

3. Expressing ability I couldn’t ride a bike when I was 6 years old. I can take pictures with my phone. I won’t be able to retire when I’m 65. I could write my name when I was 2. What verb do we use to express ability in the present? What verb do we use to express ability in the past? What verb expression do we use to express ability in any other context e.g. in the future? We can also use “be able to” in the present and past, but it’s more formal than “can” and “could”