Modals of Ability – Past

Grammar Practice Worksheets

Low Int
Teens & Adults
Grades 6–12

In this lesson, students learn how to use could and couldn’t to describe their past abilities. Students will also demonstrate their understanding of when to use present and past modals of ability in context.

We recommend teaching this lesson after our Modals of Ability – Present lesson. Note that the images and activities in both lessons are similar so that the vocabulary is familiar for low-level learners.

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Focus

foundational
grammar
positive/affirmative sentences
negative sentences
Yes/No questions
short answers
mixed tenses
can vs. could

Vocabulary

swim
ski
snowboard
skate
play basketball
play baseball
play tennis
play the guitar
play the piano
use a computer
dance
sing
ride a bike
ride a horse
cook
A spinning paper plane
A spinning paper plane