Can / can’t5A English File Elementary

Ability

“Can” expresses that we know how to do something.

(+) My brother can play the piano.(+) My sister can swim very well.(-) The girl can’t ride a bike.(-) He can’t run 10 km.(?) Can cats climb trees?(?) Can you play the guitar?

Possibility

If something is possible for you, use CAN:I can come on Monday.I can help you in the evening.

When you are sure something is NOT possible or true use Can't:

He can't be happy.He can’t be serious.

Permission

Use can /can’t to ask for and give permission.

Can I go to the toilet, please? - Yes, you canCan I speak to Mr Smith, please? - No, you can’t. He’s sleeping at the moment.

Request

Use “can” to ask somebody to do something

Can you close the door, please?Can you turn on the light, please?Can you pass me some water, please?

LOOK AT THE BOX AND WRITE SENTENCES.

ACTIONSDIANA LEONARDO

CAN CAN’T

CAN CAN’T

RUN VERY FAST X

1. SING A SONG X

2. PLAY GOLF X

3. SPEAK CHINESE X

4. READ IN PORTUGUESE

X

5. PAINT A PICTURE

X

6. DANCE MARINERA

XEXAMPLE: - Diana can run very fast but Leonardo can’t.

Complete the sentences with CAN and CAN’T.

1. A cat _______ climb trees, but it _______ fly. 2. You _______ buy stamps at the post office, but you _______

buy shoes there. 3. A fish _______ walk, but it _______ swim. 4. I _______ write with a pen, but I _______ write with a paper

clip. 5. A Dog _______ bark, but it _______ sing. 6. Trees _______ produces oxygen, but rocks _______ . 7. I _______ read a book by moonlight, but I _______ read in

sunlight. 8. My baby _______ cry, but he _______ talk. 9. Fish _______ live in air but, they _______ live in the water. 10. You _______ ride on the back of a cat, but you _______ ride on

the back of a horse.