THE MODAL VERB "CAN"

1.READ THIS AND TAKE NOTES IN YOUR NOTEBOOK

Can is a modal verb.

Can is used to express ability or to say that something is possible.

Can is the same for all subjects. We don't add an 'S' in the third person (like other verbs)

The verb that comes after Can is in the infinitive without to:

Positive

• I can speak Spanish. (= it is possible for me to speak Spanish = I have the ability to speak Spanish)
• He can swim well.
• We can see our neighbour in the garden.
• They can play the guitar.

Negative

To form the negative we add "not" after can to form one word: cannot.

We can also contract the negative to form can't. (can't = cannot)

• I cannot play the piano. We can't go to the cinema tonight.
• She cannot speak French very well. He can't drive a car

Remember that you must stress can't when pronouncing. 

Questions

To from the question we change the position of the subject and the auxiliary verb.

The main verb is still in the infinitive without to.

• Where can I buy an ice-cream?
• Can I go to the party, please?
• Can you speak Japanese?
• What can we do on Saturday?

Remember that you can use short answers:

• Can I sit here please? Yes, you can.
• Can you speak Chinese? No, I can't.

2. WATCH THIS VIDEO AND TAKE MORE NOTES.

3. NOW TRY THESE EXERCISES:

a. http://www.grammar.cl/Games/Can_Cannot.htm
b. http://www.english-grammar-lessons.com/can/exercise5.html
c. http://saberingles.com.ar/curso/lesson13/05.html
d. http://www.ecenglish.com/learnenglish/lessons/can-or-cant

4. THINK ABOUT THIS AND TAKE NOTES IN YOUR NOTEBOOK:

a. Write three things that you can do and most people can´t do. 
b. Write three things that you can't do and most people can.

(we will check this exercise in class)
5. NOW DO THE FOLLOWING EXERCISES IN YOUR NOTEBOOK. 

http://www.grammar.cl/exercises/can-cannot.pdf


6. LISTENING TASK: Do the listening activity and send the answers to the teacher before Wednesday 23th at 11 pm. 

Bill and Melissa

1. In what grade is Melissa? 
2. In what grade is Bill? 
3. Who is older, Bill or Melissa?
4. What doesn't Melissa like to do in the morning? 
5. How long does it take for Melissa and Bill to walk to the school bus stop? 
6. Where does Bill like to sit on the school bus? 
7. What can Melissa do very well? 
8. How many days a week does Melissa take ballet lessons? 
9. Why can't Melissa sing very well? 
10. What can Bill do perfectly? 
11. What does Bill love for his teacher to do in class? 

12. What can't Bill do very well yet? 

SEE YOU IN CLASS!