COLOMBIAN ARMY

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICER
ACADEMY
“SARGENTO INOCENCIO CHINCÁ”

English Elementary
Study guide
 ASK/ANSWER QUESTIONS ABOUT
ABILITY/INABILITY

 Clothing. What is she wearing? She is wearing a

blue dress
 Abilities. Can you swim? I can`t read this book. I
can drive a bus.
 Military Ranks. You must salute officers. You
mustn`t eat in the classroom. May I help you?
 Expressing Ability and Inablity

We use the verb “can”:

 to ask for things. (Can I borrow your laptop?)

 to ask for permission to do things (Can I go to the
Company?)
 To talk thing we can do (I can shoot a weapon?)

We use “can´t”:

 To talk about thing we are unable to do (I can´t smoke in

the school)
Choose the correct combination in the following sentences:
 
1. _______ you swim'? 'Yes, I _____
A. Can/can't
B. Can/can
 
2. I'm sorry I ______ help you today, I'm really busy.
A. Can
B. Can't
 
3. I _______ ride a bike but I ______ drive a car.
A. Can/can't
B. Can/can
 
4. I have a special talent, I _______ touch my nose with my tongue
_______ you?
Can't/can
Can/can
 
5. _______ I go to the bathroom please'? 'Yes, of course you _______.
Can/can
Can/can't
Must is a modal verb
MUST

1. To express obligation or duty

You must wear a clean uniform.

2. To emphasize the necessity of something

You must give up smoking, it's bad for you..

3. Deduction - Sure that something is true (Certainty)

Look at all of that snow. It must be really cold outside.

4. Expresses positive logical assumptions (Must + have +

past participle)
He must have won the lottery with the new house and car he
has just bought.

5. A strong recommendation
Something that is highly recommended (stronger than using 
should)
We really must get together for dinner sometime.
Fill in the blanks with MUST or MUSTN’T

1. She is ill , so she _______ see the doctor.

 
2. It is raining. You ________take your umbrella.

3. You _______throw litter on the stairs. 

 

4. This is a secret. You ________tell anybody.

 

5. You _______make noise in the library.