Certainly! Let's fill in the blanks with appropriate forms of "can," "could," and "be able to," considering the context of each sentence:
I can drive now, but next year I will be able to drive.
- Explanation: "Can" is used for present ability, while "will be able to" is used for future ability.
Last year he couldn't speak English as well as he can speak this year.
- Explanation: "Could" is used for past ability. In the negative form, it becomes "couldn't." For present ability, we use "can."
I've never been able to remember his name.
- Explanation: "Never been able to" is used to express a lack of ability over a period of time, up to the present.
I couldn't cook a month ago, but I'm taking a course, and next month I will be able to cook.
- Explanation: "Couldn't" is used for past inability, and "will be able to" is used for future ability.
She might babysit be able to, but I'm not sure of that.
- Explanation: "Be able to" fits here, as it's discussing a potential ability in a context where certainty isn't clear.
Can I help you? Do you need help?
- Explanation: "Can" is used here to offer help in the present moment.
Can you do the shopping in the evening? The fridge is empty.
- Explanation: "Can" is used to ask about present ability or possibility.
Could you skate when you were six?
- Explanation: "Could" is used here to inquire about an ability in the past.
These verbs help express different times and degrees of ability, making them useful for various contexts in English communication.