Model verbs

Handout: 6
Can (ability)
1. I can speak in Arabic.
2. I can write in Arabic.
3. You can walk one kilometer.
4. We can do this work.
5. I can drive a car.
Cannot(Can’t) – Inability
1. We can’t fly.
2. You can’t walk for 5 kilometers.
3. I can’t speak in Hindi.
4. He can’t help you now.
5. I can’t come with you.

Could (ability in the past)

1. He could speak when he was two years old.
2. She could walk long distances before.
3. Ahmed could talk to the manager yesterday as he was free.
4. I could run very fast when I was a boy.
5. We could print without his help.
Couldn’t (inability in the past)
1. I couldn’t come to college in time.
2. We couldn’t go for the marriage.
3. They couldn’t open the mail because of internet problem.
4. She couldn’t watch the movie due to headache.
5. He couldn’t lock the door as there was no key.
Exercise: 1 – Use the appropriate ‘model verbs’ to talk about your ability and
inability in the present:
1. You are free, I _________ go with him.
2. I am busy, I _________ help you.
3. I am sick, I __________ give the lecture.
4. You are old, you _____________ walk long distances.
5. He is tall, he ________ press the button.
6. It is cheap, we ______ buy it.
7. It’s hot, I __________ eat now.
8. This mobile is very expensive, we ________ buy it.
9. We have enough petrol in the car. We ________ go there.
10. I am short. I _________ touch it.

Exercise: 2 – Use the appropriate ‘model verbs’ to talk about your ability and
inability in the past:
1. He ___________ read the Quran well at the age of 8.
2. Because of lack of money they ____________ buy that house.
3. Due to the long distance, we __________ go there.
4. As we went earlier, we __________ meet him.
5. As it was heavy, I __________ lift it.
6. As she didn’t study well, she ___________ write the exam well.
7. As he worked very hard, he __________ become a business man.
8. Because my friend drove his car very fast, I _________ follow him.
9. As he was short, he __________ see the board clearly.
10. We had enough time, so we ___________ do our shopping.