Modal Verb CAN

This week we are going to work on the Modal verb CAN.

Follow this slides to check the grammar.
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 What is a modal verb?

Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs. They use other verbs (main verb in base form) to complete the tenses.
I can tickets for the concert. X I can get tickets for the concert. +

Modal verbs express attitudes (something necessary, advisable, permissible, possible or probable) .
He can get tickets for the concert. He can’t get tickets for the concert.
You should get tickets for the concert. You shouldn’t get tickets for the concert.
I must get tickets for the concert. They mustn’t get tickets for the concert.
It will get tickets for the concert. She will not (won’t) get tickets for the concert.

Most of the modal verbs have the same grammatical structure for all subjects, the only exception is the
modal verb “have to”:
We have to get tickets for the concert. I don’t have to get tickets for the concert.
She has to get tickets for the concert. She doesn’t have to get tickets for the concert.

would ought to should may

must can
could might shall
will * have to / has to
 Modal Verb CAN
In a sentence we use the modal verbs as auxiliary verb and the base form for the main verb.
Can is used to express physical ability:
Tom is strong. He can lift that heavy box.

Can is frequently used with verbs of the five senses (see, hear, feel, smell, taste):
I can see my car from here.

Can is used to express an acquired skill:

Marie can play the piano.

Can is used for possibility:

We can buy medicine at a drugstore.

Can is used to give permission in informal situations:

He can go to the party when his homework is done.

Negative cannot / can’t is used to express impossibility or prohibition:

Dogs can bark, but they can’t talk.
You can’t use your cellphone during a test.
 Which sentence expresses:

• A physical ability?
• An acquired skill?
• Possibility?
• Permission?
1. ___ Isabel can play chees very well.
2. ___ Yes, Ben, you can go outside to play, but be back before dinner.
3. ___ Dogs can hear higher-pitched sounds than humans can.
4. ___ I’m free for lunch tomorrow. I can meet you at the café around noon.
 Modal Verbs

Affirmative
Subject + Modal Verb + Verb BASE form + Complement .

We can see English movies to improve our English skills.

* We can see English movies to improve our English skills.
He can dance salsa.
* He can dance salsa.

More examples:
He can play the guitar.
She can get a better job.
We can travel to many countries without a visa.
You can use my computer to do your homework.
 Modal Verbs

Negative
Subject + cannot / can’t + Verb BASE form + Complement .

We cannot see to the sun, it’s dangerous.

* We cannot see to the sun, it’s dangerous.
He can’t dance tango.
* He can’t dance tango.

More examples:
He can’t play the guitar.
She cannot get a better job.
We cannot travel to many countries without a visa.
You can’t use my wifi.
 Modal Verbs

Questions
(Wh- word) + Modal Verb + Subject + Verb BASE form + Complement ?

What can we do to improve our English skills?

* What can we do to improve our English skills?
Can he park his car here?
*Can he park his car here? Yes, he can. / No, he can’t.

More examples:
Can your sister play soccer? Yes, she can.
Can we buy a book in a library? No, we can’t. We can buy books in a book store.
When can you come to visit me? I can visit you in this Summer.
Where can he do exercise? He can go jogging in the park that is near here.
Make sentences and answer questions:
Make sentences and answer questions:

• Name a physical ability that you have and a physical ability you don’t
have.
• Name an acquired skill that you have and an acquired skill you don’t
have.
• Imagine that tomorrow you don’t have class, What can you do?
Modal Verb CAN