Expressing Ability

Expressing ability is something that may be confusing in English because there are many ways of expressing what you can or can't do. Let's put yourselves to test by working this online quiz!!

Have a nice week,
Profesores del CUI

Make a choice by clicking on a button then compare your answer with the correct one hidden under the answer button.

1. Although it contains many difficult words, I ___ read this book now.
   can
   could
   may
   Answercan
2. But I ___ have read it last year.
   mayn't
   couldn't
   can't
   Answercouldn't
3. Because there were many long words which I ___ understand.
   couldn't
   can't
   aren't able to
   Answercouldn't
4. When you receive the new books ___ try to read one of them?
   can I
   could I
   may
   Answercould I
5. I ___ understand why you won't let me.
   couldn't
   can't
   mayn't
   Answercan't
6. Can you find your way to the hotel? Yes I ___.
   could
   am able
   can
   Answercan
7. Can you pronounce my name properly? I ___ if you would speak more slowly.
   could
   may
   can
   Answercould
8. Are you strong enough to lift that box.? Yes, I ___.
   could
   am
   can
   Answeram
9. Will you speak more clearly please? I ___ hardly hear you at all.
   could
   can
   can't
   Answercan
10. I ___ only listen to my radio when my mother was not at home.
    did
    can
    could
    Answercould
11. Can you fix my car today? Yes, I ___.
    may
    could
    can
    Answercan
12. I ___ do that because I will get a sunburn.
    can't
    couldn't
    can
    Answercan't
13. Is it low enough ___ you to be able to step over it?
    to
    for
    of
    Answerfor
14. I ___ reach that apple, I'll have to use a ladder.
    don't
    can't
    couldn't
    Answercan't
15. ___ you just jump?
    Can't
    Don't
    If
    AnswerCan't
16. I ___ have known when she was coming home because I didn't have a watch.
    can't
    couldn't
    won't
    Answercouldn't

(C) 2000 by Jack Bradshaw