I can play the guitar.

Today we are going to talk about using the words ‘can’ and ‘can’t/cannot’. ‘Can’ is a word that is used in
many different sentences, in many different situations. Here are a few of the sentence patterns and
situations we use ‘can’;
 Simple questions of ability -----
o Can you play the piano? Yes, I can / No, I can’t.
o Can you meet me at 6:00 tomorrow?
o What languages can you speak? I can speak….
 Simple requests ------
o Can I have something to drink?
o Can you hand me the box of tissue?
o Can you pass the salad?
o Can I get you anything to drink? (We also use can when we make offers)

Practice 1: Practice some simple questions and statements of ability with these example questions.
Use the dialogue below.

Mike: Karla, how’s it going? I have a question. Can you snowboard?

Karla: No, I can’t. But I can ski. I like to go skiing. When we answer ‘no’ we
Mike: Oh, would you like to go skiing this weekend? will often say something
similar that we can do.
Karla: Sure, let’s go!

4.
1.

Speak ~~~~?
5.
Golf Park golf
2.

Cake

6. Cookies
3.
Practice 2: Use the dialogue below to practice using can with some simple requests.

Customer: Excuse me waiter, can I have some more water,

please?
Waiter: Sure, is there anything else I can get for you?
Customer: Can I have a piece of chocolate cake, too?
Waiter: Of course! I will be right back.

1.
5.

2.
6.

3. 7.

4. 8.

Practice 3: Write out a few things that you can do and ask each other if you are able to do
the same things.

1. ______________________________________________________________
2. ______________________________________________________________
3. ______________________________________________________________
4. ______________________________________________________________
5. ______________________________________________________________