Добавил:
Upload Опубликованный материал нарушает ваши авторские права? Сообщите нам.
Вуз: Предмет: Файл:
IT_Grammar_Exercises.doc
Скачиваний:
0
Добавлен:
01.07.2025
Размер:
526.34 Кб
Скачать

Unit 23 Recent Developments in it Ability: can, could, be able to

Study these ways to describe ability:

1. Swarming robots can work together to perform searches.

2. Washing machines will be able to report any breakdowns for repair.

3. Imagine being able to send music files to your MP3 player without a wire connection.

4. Professor Warwick had a chip fitted into his arm which could activate sensors in doors and computers as he approached.

5. Marconi was able to send a radio signal from Britain to Newfoundland.

We use can and be able to to describe ability in the present but can is more common. We use could for general abilities in the past but was/were able to describe an ability on a specific occasion. This table summarises their uses:

Ability

present

can

be able to

future

X

will be able to

present perfect

X

has/have been able to

-ing form

X

being able to

past (specific action)

X

was/were able to

past (general and with

verbs of sensation)

could

X

For past negatives and questions both verbs are possible. For example:

Early computers could not/were not able to

operate at high speeds.

Could they/were they able to store much data?

I Match items in columns a, b and c in order to make true sentences.

A

B

C

The programme Easy Recovery

will be able to

can

being able to

could

has been able to

keep an eye on the children with the help of the Screenfridge in the kitchen.

AIMP MMC PRO

Wireless computer

appear in 2050.

Imagine

communicate with the Internet.

A washing machine of Ariston

restore 5 files without registration.

The first electronic digital computer built in 1945

convert your music to MP3.

Microsoft

be the only producer of OS.

to represent the new version of Windows (Vista) in 2007.

to use a water cooling to cool a 5 GHz processor.

use so much electricity that lights in the nearby town.

Соседние файлы в предмете [НЕСОРТИРОВАННОЕ]