We use can to make general statements about what is possible:
It can be very cold here in winter.
(= It is sometimes very cold here in winter.)
You can easily get lost in this town.
(= People often get lost in this town.)
We use can't or cannot to say that something is impossible:
That can't be true.
You cannot be serious.
Ability
We use can and can't to talk about someone’s skill or general abilities:
She can speak several languages.
He can swim like a fish.
They can't dance very well.
We use can and can't to talk about the ability to do something at
a specific time in the present or future:
I can see you.
Help! I can't breathe.
Permission
We use can to ask for permission to do something:
Can I ask a question, please?
Can we go home now?
Modal “can” Practice exercise 2
Answer the questions with “Yes, I can” or “No, I can’t”
1. Can a dog sing? No, ______________________.
2. Can the beetle fly? Yes, ______________________.
3. Can Ben draw a picture? Yes, ___________________.
4. Can Claire ride a bicycle? No, ______________________.
5. Can Marie play the piano? Yes, ______________________.
It can be very cold here in winter.
(= It is sometimes very cold here in winter.)
You can easily get lost in this town.
(= People often get lost in this town.)
We use can't or cannot to say that something is impossible:
That can't be true.
You cannot be serious.
Ability
We use can and can't to talk about someone’s skill or general abilities:
She can speak several languages.
He can swim like a fish.
They can't dance very well.
We use can and can't to talk about the ability to do something at
a specific time in the present or future:
I can see you.
Help! I can't breathe.
Permission
We use can to ask for permission to do something:
Can I ask a question, please?
Can we go home now?
Modal “can” Practice exercise 2
Answer the questions with “Yes, I can” or “No, I can’t”
1. Can a dog sing? No, ______________________.
2. Can the beetle fly? Yes, ______________________.
3. Can Ben draw a picture? Yes, ___________________.
4. Can Claire ride a bicycle? No, ______________________.
5. Can Marie play the piano? Yes, ______________________.
Category
📚
Learning