Ability

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• havo
• Leerjaar 3

A: my computer is broken.
B: You should____(get/fix)

A: My hair is so long it takes ages to wash and dry.
B: Why don't you_______(have/cut?)

True of False:
I got my wallet stolen

First, we mean general ability. This is something that once you have learned you can do any time you want, like being able to read or swim or speak a language, for example.

The other kind of ability is specific ability. This mean something that you can or can't do in one particular situation. For example, being able to lift something heavy, or find somewhere you are looking for.

1. When the computer crashed yesterday, I was able to fix it (correct?)

2. When the computer crashed yesterday, I could fix it
  (correct?)

When we talk about ability, we mean two things.

First, we mean general ability. This is something that once you have learned you can do any time you want, like being able to read or swim or speak a language, for example.

The other kind of ability is specific ability. This mean something that you can or can't do in one particular situation. For example, being able to lift something heavy, or find somewhere you are looking for.

Type the correct verb form. Both may be possible. 

1. After we'd tried everything, we (could/were able to) get the computer to work at last

2. When we lived on the coast we (could/were able to) swim every day in the summer

3. She must (can/be able to) leave earlier than that!

4. If you'd got here earlier, we (could catch/could have caught) the fast train together.

5. I've been (unable to/can't) recognise faces since I had the accident last winter.

6. He hasn’t been (able to/can) walk since the accident.

7. I hope (can/to be able to) finish my assignment today.

Complete the sentences with an expression so they are true for you. 

One day, I hope..... to be able to speak German fluently 

I know how to.....cook

It would be nice....to be able to play the violin

I managed to ...travel across the Atlantic Ocean (suggesst difficulty)

I succeeded in.... becoming a professional football player at eighteen