Content tagged with "ability"
10 item(s) found.Modals in the main clause of third conditional sentences
Instead of would here it is possible to use could (ability or possibility), should (obligation) or might (possibility).
George could have won the race if his shoelace hadn’t come undone.
Modals in the IF-clause of third conditional sentences
To express ability or possibility could + perfectThe aspect expressing completion. E.g.: He’s finished university. infinitive is used in the IF-clauseA group of related words containing a subject and a verb. of third conditional sentences.
If he could have got to the airport on time, he would not have missed the flight.
Modals in the main clause of second conditional sentences
Instead of would here we can use could (permission or ability), might (certainty/uncertainty) or should (obligation).
If you were taller, you could play for the Lakers.
If you weren’t under 18, I should punish you.
Modals in the IF-clause of second conditional sentences
The auxiliaryA helping verb used with main verbs to express mood, voice and tense. E.g.: I can't stand when I am disturbed. ("can", "am") could is used here to express permission or ability.
I'd go to the beach with you if I could swim.
Modals in the IF-clause of first conditional sentences
In the if-clauseA group of related words containing a subject and a verb. of the first conditional we can use should (to express that the condition is less likely), can (permission or ability), will or would (willingness, insistence and refusal), must (obligation) or may (permission).
Modals in the main clause of first conditional sentences
Instead of will here we can use may/might (certainty/uncertainty), may (permission), can (permission or ability) or must/should (obligation).
Modals expressing future ability
For future ability, both the auxiliaryA helping verb used with main verbs to express mood, voice and tense. E.g.: I can't stand when I am disturbed. ("can", "am") can and the future forms of be able to are used.
If you ask him, he can probably help you.
If you ask him, he will probably be able to help you.
Modals expressing present ability
To express that someone has the power or skill to do something, the auxiliaryA helping verb used with main verbs to express mood, voice and tense. E.g.: I can't stand when I am disturbed. ("can", "am") can and the semi-auxiliary be able to is used.
I can swim.
We can't enter this street because it's blocked.
I am not able to help you at the moment.
