A1 · Modal Verbs

Could and couldn't for past ability

Express ability and inability in the past.

Learning objectives

Recognise the form and meaning of could and couldn't for past ability.
Use could and couldn't for past ability in controlled A1 sentences.
Identify and correct common beginner errors.
Apply the concept in a short personal or everyday context.

Grammar rules

Use could plus the base form for past ability.
Use couldn't plus the base form for past inability.

Examples

I could swim when I was five.
She could read at four.
He couldn't sing as a child.

Common mistakes

Using a form that does not agree with the subject or noun.
Using the correct words in the wrong order.
Adding or omitting a required auxiliary, article or preposition.
Choosing a form that changes the intended meaning.

Revision notes

Review the rule, say the examples aloud, write two new examples and retake the concept test until you achieve at least 80%.

Validated question bank pending