Prepared by Gema V. Rosales Calvo Can – Can’t
En inglés existe un grupo de verbos MODALES – muy usados en el lenguaje corriente – con el significado de poder, deber, querer. Estos verbos poseen generalmente sólo el presente y el pasado, y presentan algunas características comunes: 1. Su infinitivo NUNCA va precedido de TO como los verbos comunes (to go, to read, to play, etc). 2. En las formas negativa e interrogativa se comportan como el verbo auxiliar to be que ya has aprendido. 3. No toman la s en la tercera persona del singular del presente (he, she, it). 4. Siempre les sigue un VERBO EN INFINITIVO SIN TO.
We use 'can' to talk about 'possibility'. Can you do that? I can't manage to do that. You can leave your car in that parking space. You cannot smoke in here. Notice that there are two negative forms: 'can't' and 'cannot'. These mean exactly the same thing. When we are speaking, we usually say 'can't'.
We use 'can' to talk about 'ability'. I can speak French. I can't drive. I can play the guitar but I can’t play the piano.
We use 'can' to ask for and give permission. Can I speak to you or are you too busy? You can use my phone. You can't come in.
We use 'can' in offers, requests and instructions. Can I help? Can you give me a hand? When you finish that, you can take out the garbage
Examples
I can’t walk very well.
I can dance Ballet very well.
She can sing and play the guitar!!
Now the exercises!!! I know the answer; I __________answer the question now. can
This test is very difficult; I _____________ answer any question. can’t
Can Lucy drive? Yes, she ___________. can
Can Peter speak French? No, he ________. can’t
Now, let’s do more exercises in your notebook!!!!!