Could / couldn't for past ability
English Grade 4 (Top Goal 1) · Unit 5: Outdoor Fun · Lesson 3 · Term 2
Also known as: Could for past ability · could couldn't
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Lesson questions (13)
- "____ you run fast when you were five?" "Yes, I could."
Answer: Could - I ____ ride a horse when I was five. I was too small.
Answer: couldn't - She could ____ when she was four.
Answer: read - "Could he swim last year?" "No, he ____."
Answer: couldn't - When I was a baby, I ____ walk.
Answer: couldn't - My grandfather ____ climb mountains when he was young.
Answer: could - "Could" is the past of ____.
Answer: can - After "could" we use ____.
Answer: the base form of the verb - "Could you ride a bike when you were six?" "Yes, I ____."
Answer: could - We ____ see the island because it was too far.
Answer: couldn't - Choose the correct sentence.
Answer: He could swim when he was seven. - Now I can swim, but last year I ____.
Answer: couldn't - The cave was dark. We ____ see anything.
Answer: couldn't
About this lesson
“Could / couldn't for past ability” is from English Grade 4 (Top Goal 1) (Unit 5: Outdoor Fun) and has 13 questions with answers. Sample questions: “"____ you run fast when you were five?" "Yes, I could."” and “I ____ ride a horse when I was five. I was too small.”. Every question can be played in any Hessa Play game or activity.
Lesson words: Could · couldn't · read · could · can · the base form of the verb · He could swim when he was seven.
How to use it in class
- Show the question on the board and let students think before the options appear.
- Split the class into two teams; every correct answer earns a point.
- Display it on the smart board, send it as homework by link, or play it solo or in two teams.
Related lessons
Questions about this lesson
When do we use could?
We use it for ability in the past: I could ride a horse when I was five.
How do we make could negative?
We make could negative by adding not, giving couldn't, followed by the base verb. Example: I couldn't swim when I was five.
How do we ask?
We say Could you run fast when you were five?
Do students need an account to play this lesson?
No. The teacher shares the lesson link; the student types a first name and plays on a phone or computer, and the score reaches the teacher.
Which games suit this lesson?
You can play it in The Hunter, Complete the sentence, Match Up, Matching pairs and the other games and activities on Hessa Play.