Scribd
Upload
52 views1 page

Using "Can" for Abilities and Questions

The document discusses the formula and use of the modal auxiliary verb "can" in English. It explains that "can" is used with a simple verb form to express abilities, talents, possibilities, or permissions. It provides examples of using "can" to talk about what Bono and Madonna can do. It also checks the syntax of affirmative sentences, yes/no questions, and negative sentences using "can" and the example of Deep Blue playing chess against Garry Kasparov.

Uploaded by

Arii Calderón
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
52 views1 page

Using "Can" for Abilities and Questions

The document discusses the formula and use of the modal auxiliary verb "can" in English. It explains that "can" is used with a simple verb form to express abilities, talents, possibilities, or permissions. It provides examples of using "can" to talk about what Bono and Madonna can do. It also checks the syntax of affirmative sentences, yes/no questions, and negative sentences using "can" and the example of Deep Blue playing chess against Garry Kasparov.

Uploaded by

Arii Calderón
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

I. Formula.

You just need two elements:


1) Modal auxiliary verb CAN
Can + simple form verb
2) Simple form verb.

II. Use. The modal auxiliary CAN is used for the following situations:
1) To express abilities or talents.
→ Bono, from U2, can play the harmonica.
2) To express possibilities.
→ Madonna can win a new Grammy.

4) Check the syntax of the following structures:


1- Affirmative Sentence = Deep Blue can play chess against Garry Kasparov.
2- Yes / No Question = Can Deep Blue play chess against Garry Kasparov?
3- Wh Question = When can Deep Blue play chess against Garry Kasparov?
4- Negative Sentence = Deep Blue can’t play chess against Garry Kasparov.

1. Rewrite the following sentences in the correct order. Pay attention to the punctuation.
a) you / ? / five / can / languages / in / and / read / write
____________________________________________________________________
b) Lopej / English / speak / can’t / . / Mr.
____________________________________________________________________
c) break / can / a / ? / have / we / when / coffee
_____________________________________________________________________
d) videogames / my / grandpa / . / play / with / can / my
_____________________________________________________________________

You might also like