Can you cook? Yes, I can.

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Modal Verb 'Can'

Intermediate

'Can' is a very useful word. With 'can', you can talk about things that you know how to do, things that you have permission to do, and things that are possible.

Exercise 1

Sentence Practice

Ability

I cook often.
I can cook many kinds of food.

You dance everyday.
You can dance salsa, samba, and ballroom.

Permission

He works in the United States now.
He can work in the United States. He has a visa.

We park our car in this parking lot.
We can park our car in this parking lot. We have the parking permit.

Possibility

We cannot park in this parking lot. It is full.
Since the weather is nice, we can have a picnic today.

Grammar Focus

When do we use 'can'?

1. Use 'can' to describe ability:

I can cook. (= I know how to cook)
I cannot cook. (= I do not know how to cook; I am a bad cook; my arm is broken so I cannot cook)

2. Use 'can' to describe opportunity or possibility:

We can cook if you want.
We cannot cook here. (= the stove is broken; there are no pots)

3. Use 'can' to request or give permission:

Can I sit here?
Yes, you can.
No, you cannot.

How do we use 'can'?

Positive sentence = subject + can + main verb

I / you / we / they can dance.
He / she / it can dance.

Can has only one form; it does not change form depending on the subject. For example, "He cans dance" is incorrect.

Negative sentence = subject + can + NOT + main verb

We negate the modal verb 'can' and not the main verb.

You cannot sit here.
They can't come to the party.

Interrogative sentence = Can + subject + main verb?

Raise your intonation at the end of the sentence.

Can I come to the party?

Ability vs Possibility

You can swim. (= ability: You know how to swim)
You can swim in the ocean today. (= possibility: The waves are peaceful.)

He cannot sing. (= He is a bad singer)
She cannot sing at your wedding. (= She is busy that day.)

They can drive a car. (= They know how to drive.)
They can drive you to the airport. (= They have time that day.)

Exercise 2

Dialogue Practice

Read the dialogues aloud with your tutor.

Permission

	Nathan Can I ask a question?
	Professor Yes, you can.

	Emily Can she come with me?
	Akio Adachi No, she can't.

	Hyun-woo Can they smoke here?
	Bartender Yes, they can.

	John Can we watch TV?
	Mom No, you can't.

Exercise 3

Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blanks to complete the dialogue.

	Nathan Can you help me?
	Professor Yes, I (1).

Give an answer that fits in blank 1

	Emily Can you come to my house now?
	Chloe No, I (2).

Give an answer that fits in blank 2

	Zach Can she take this train to Berlin?
	Ticket Clerk No, she (3).

Give an answer that fits in blank 3

	James Can he bring his dog?
	Jessica Yes, he (4).

Give an answer that fits in blank 4

	John Can I go to a party tonight?
	Mom No, you (5).

Give an answer that fits in blank 5

Exercise 4

Sentence Building

Change these sentences into negative sentences using cannot / can't.

I study Japanese every day.

He drives trucks.

She takes professional pictures.

She speaks Russian.

He stays up late.