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Teacher Giovanna Page 1

ENGLISH CLASS
can - can't - could
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Introduction
In English, can and could are used to
express ability (I can run quickly) and
requests (Can you help me carry the
bag?).
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"Can" Examples:
a. I can speak English.

Expressing b. You can leave early today.


c. Can I come in, please?

Ability Formation:
Positive: Subject + CAN + Verb
We use can to show something is possible Negative: Subject + CAN'T + Verb
(cheetahs can run fast), and to show that we
know how to do something (he can run 10km NOTE: "Can" can be exchanged by "able
in one hour). We use can’t to show that to"
something is not possible and that we don’t I can swin/am able to swin.
know how to do something (pigs can’t fly).
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Can and Could Expressing Ability

QUESTION: Can + subject + verb


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Match the pictures with the sentences

She can study.

They can cook.

He can drive.
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Match the pictures with the sentences

Can you see the mountains from

here?

Can we go to the beach

tomorrow?

Can you play chess?


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Could is the past


of Can

We use could and couldn't as the past of


can/can't.
I can come to the restaurant tonight.

I couldn't do my homework last night.


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Other uses of
can and could
5. Possibility
1. Request The florist can deliver the bouquet
Can you help me? early.
Can you tell me the way to the museum? My friend can visit me this week.
Can you come here a minute please?
Note: can is not normal used to
2. Permissions describe future possibility in the
Can I use your cell phone? positive form.
Can I take a day off?
Can I smoke here? INCORRECT: It can rain tomorrow.
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Let's practice! Choose the right


alternative.
01. Penguins could/can swim very well.
02. I could/can ran very fast when I was younger.
03. It's snowing, so we couldn't/can't go out now.
04. Yesterday we can't/couldn't play.
05. Could/Can you play the piano when you were seven?
06. You have a nice bicycle.  Could/Can you ride it?
07. He has a broken leg, so he couldn't/can't walk for a few days.
08. I can't/couldn't sleep last night.
09. We came as fast as we can/could.
10. Why are you crying? Is there something I could/can do for you?

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