MORE MODALS (and SEMI-MODALS): BE ABLE TO

AFFIRMATIVE

USE:
Used to talk about ability in the present, future, and past. It is very similar in
meaning to the Modals CAN and COULD.

FORM:
[SUBJECT + BE(present/past/future) + ABLE TO + VERB...]

EXAMPLES:
"He worked hard and was able to pass the exam."
"Mary broke her leg just two months ago but she's already able to walk again."
"She needs time to decide, but she'll be able to give you an answer tomorrow."
NEGATIVE

USE:
Used to talk about inability or failure to do something in the past, present, or
future.

FORM:
[SUBJECT + BE (present/past/future)
+ NOT + ABLE TO + VERB...]

EXAMPLES:
"The store was closed, so I wasn't able to buy the book."
"Sorry, we won't be able to fix your car until next week."
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

USE:
Used to ask questions about ability in the present, past, and future.
YES/NO QUESTIONS

FORM:
[Q: BE (all tenses) + SUBJECT + ABLE TO + VERB...?]
[A: Yes, + SUBJECT + BE.
No, + SUBJECT + BE NOT.]

EXAMPLES:
"Were you able to buy that book for me?"
"Yes I was. Here it is!"
WH-QUESTIONS

FORM:
About the SUBJECT of the sentence
[WH-WORD + BE ABLE TO+ VERB...?]

About the REST of the sentence

[WH-WORD + BE + SUBJECT + ABLE TO + VERB...?]

EXAMPLES:
"Who was able to finish their homework on time?"

"When will you be able to pay back the loan?"

"We'll be able to pay you next month."

GERUNDS: AS OBJECTS

USE:
The object of the verb is normally a noun or a pronoun. The objects of some
verbs, however, can be GERUNDS. These verbs include: ENJOY, ALLOW, LIKE,
FINISH, HATE, LOVE, and PREFER.

EXAMPLES:
"Eric loves collecting comic books."
"Sandy prefers buying only fresh meat and vegetables."
"She enjoys meeting new people."
"John dislikes going to big parties."
"We do not allow smoking in our office."
"I hate getting lost in foreign cities."
GERUNDS: AFTER PREPOSITIONS

USE:
A preposition is normally followed by a noun or a pronoun. If it is followed by a
verb, the verb is a GERUND.

EXAMPLES:
"Mary left without saying goodbye."
"James had an accident after drinking too much."
"Always lock the door before going to bed."
"He read the newspaper while having breakfast."