As in Russian, in English there are words that denote actions - verbs. As a rule, verbs have a special form - the infinitive , consisting of the main form of the verb, preceded by a particle to. Usually, this form is used to represent English verbs. For example, in a list of words, verbs can be represented as follows:
to swim - swim
to read - read
to dance - dance
It should be noted that in this case the particle to is not translated, and means only that the verb is given in the main form.
Modal verb can
Meaning and usage
In English, some verbs are combined into a special group and are called modal verbs. Modal verbs do not denote any action, they only denote an attitude towards an action. For example, a representative of this group is the verb can, which translates as be able to or be able. It does not mean the action itself, but only the ability or ability to perform it.
Verb can used with the infinitive of another verb without a particle to.
To form a negative form, to the verb can you need to attach a particle not:
In colloquial speech, abbreviated negative forms are often used:
In interrogative sentences, the verb can is placed before the lying:
Short answers to questions with a verb can will look like this:
| Question | YES | NO |
|---|---|---|
| Can you...? | Yes, I/we can. | No, I / we can't. |
| Can he/she/it/they ...? | Yes, he/she/it/they can . | No, he/she/it/they can't. |
| Can I/we...? | Yes, you can. | No, you can't. |
At the elementary level, each student learns the modal verb ‘can’. Usually, to practice grammar, students perform tasks such as filling in the blanks, making sentences from pictures, talking about what they can and cannot do. How to diversify these exercises? We offer fun exercises for practicing the modal verb ‘can’ (to reflect physical or mental ability, the ability to do something).
Exercise 1 -- Making memes or drawing pictures
What picture do you think students will remember better for the phrase “It can fly”?
Most likely the second one, since this picture is funny, memorable and non-standard. For the introduction and practice of grammar, pick up funny pictures,or just photographs instead of pictures from textbooks that do not evoke any emotional responses from students.
If you are limited in time and cannot find suitable pictures, ask students to be creative and finish drawing to make a suitable sentence.I really like to use pictures with cats (especially for lessons with children, such pictures are very amusing for children). Show students the sample for the sentence “It can swim”.
Give sentences with the verb ‘can’ and ask them to complete the picture so that it matches the sentence.
Exercise 2 -- Unusual Opportunities
We will work on the development of creative and critical thinking of students. Offer two nouns, students must complete the sentence “they both can …”
For example, a parrot and a child -- they both can speak. Make the list more complex (add something completely different from each other - a tortoise and a tree - they both can live long), arrange a competition for the most unusual possibilities that students can think of for these pairs.
Instead of pairs of words, pictures can also be used, so students will remember not only verbs, but also nouns. To make it more interesting for children and teenagers to complete the task, choose funny pictures. My children love the animals drawn in one “round” style
. The group with the most “they both can…” sentences gets an animal sticker from that collection.
It will be interesting for younger students to talk about superheroes. Show gifs of their favorite characters and discuss what they can and can't do.
Exercise 3 -- Making proposals
To add an element of gamification to the preparation of positive and negative proposals, use a coin. Toss a coin; if it comes up heads, make positive offers; if it's tails, make negative offers. There are many online coins, for example pumpkin video and of course songs from SuperSimpleSongs.
Today we will begin to study the category of modality. It includes verbs that are not actions, but allow you to designate shades of the main events. With their help, the desire, possibility, prohibition or permission of the specified action is expressed. In today's lesson, we will analyze what and when the modal verb can in English is intended to denote. This is the most ambiguous and frequently spoken representative of this group. Consider its construction, application and other grammatical nuances.
In general, using this verb is not difficult, so even textbooks for kids contain the principle of forming phrases with can. Of course, only the simplest designs are selected for children, but complicated combinations are not difficult for older people.
present tense
In an affirmative sentence, the compound predicate has the form " can+ infinitive". It is important to note that in this case, infinitives are always used without to.
- Nick can run fastNick can run fast.
- my sister can cook a cakeMysistercanCookcake.
The conjugation of the verb can in the present tense is the same for all persons of nouns and pronouns: it never changes its form and does not add any endings. By meaning, this form of the verb can express the events of the present or future (nearest).
- My relatives can meet me at the railway station tomorrowMorelativeswill be abletomorrowmeetmeon thestation.
- She can call themtodayShe can call them today.
Modal verbs do not require the participation of auxiliary words, since in fact they themselves are. Therefore, they create interrogative and negative contexts on their own.
In questions, the compound predicate is broken, and can moves to the beginning of the sentence. If there are special interrogative words in the phrase, then they always precede the modal word.
- Can you bring thebook? – Can you bring this book?
- When can they arrive to us? - When can they come to us?
To negate the main verb, can attaches the particle not, forming the combination cannot or abbreviated can't. Pay attention to the continuous spelling of the official form.
- Mywife cannot drive acarMy wife can't drive a car.
- I can 't cook lambchopsI can't cook lamb chops.
Sometimes the verb can is used in English to construct interrogative-negative phrases. They are used in colloquial speech, as they carry an emotional connotation.
- Can 't yourchild warm up foodinthemicrowave? Can't your child heat up food in the microwave?
- Can 't they send methefax? Can't they send me a fax?
Past tense
Officially, grammar distinguishes three forms for a given modal word.
We will keep silent about the subjunctive mood for now, since this is a very complex grammatical complex, but we will consider the constructions of the past.
The past is characterized by all the same forms of structures as in the present, only can is transformed into could. The modal word is still the same for all persons and numbers.
- I could play basketballverywellwhenIwasateenager– I could play basketball very well when I was a teenager.
- Could he read whenhewasfive? Did he know how to read when he was 5 years old?
- my friend could not (couldn't) pass the exam - Myfriendnotcouldpassexam.
- couldn't 't she call me? Couldn't she have called me?
Often, in the past tense, instead of could, the verb manage is used (the form of pr. is managed). Its meaning is "succeeded, succeeded." Please note that in this case the infinitive will be used already with the particle to.
- The exam was difficult but I managed to pass it-Examwasdifficult,butto mesucceededpasshis.
- She trained hard and she managed to break the world record-She islottrainedandatherhappenedbeatworldrecord.
Note that sometimes there is the use of can and could in combination with the perfect infinitive, i.e. in combination can/could+ have+ participle II. We will talk more about this a little later, when we discuss use cases.
Future tense
The modal verb can in English cannot officially be used in the future tense, i.e. you cannot add will to it. Yes, with its help you can designate shades of the future, as in Present Simple, but nothing more.
We can use can to refer to features we already have, but we plan to take advantage of in the future. If, however, we are talking about what we will only master or receive, then it is necessary to replace can with its equivalent to be able to. This expression is translated as "to be able to do something" and can be used in all tense forms: past, presentand future.
- Myfather is able to solve anyproblemMy father is able to solve any problem.
- Jack was able to dial thenumberandcallthepoliceJack was able to dial a number and call the police.
However, most often this combination is used to express precisely future events.
- We will be able to move to Spain in three yearsWewe canrun overinSpainthrough 3 of the year.
- Nextyear I will be able to speak Englishfluently– Next year I will be able to speak English fluently. .
The turnover to be able to can also be used to express a question or a negative.
- Will you be able to pay forsecond vocational education? – Will you be able to pay for a second vocational education?
- They will not (won't) be able to buy a new model of this carThey arewillnotinablebuynewmodelthiscars.
We have analyzed how the modal verbs can, could and to be able to are used in sentences of various types. Now let's talk about their semantic meaning.
The verb can in English - when and why is it used?
In the preface to the material, we already noted that this verb is polysemantic. The table below will help us to consider in detail all the situations of its use. In it, we give examples of structures and their translation.
|
can application |
||
|
Situation |
Examples |
Translation |
| 1. Indication of skills, abilities, abilities. Expression of the possibility of performing actions related to mental abilities or physical achievements. Can indicates generalized, regular, or periodic actions. If it is clear from the context of the sentence that this is a single case, then it is better to replace can with a predicate with be able to. |
my sister can dance like a professional. | My sister can dance like a pro. |
| Is she able to dance in the concert today? | Can she dance in tonight's concert? | |
| We cannot bake a banana pie. | We don't know how to bake a banana pie. | |
| They will be able to move to London soon. | They will soon be able to move to London. | |
| my son could not swim when he was seven. | My son couldn't swim when he was 7 years old. | |
| Can you play a guitar? | Can you play the guitar? | |
| She was not able to run at that moment. | At that moment, she was unable to run. | |
| I can play chess well. But last time I didn't manage to win. | I am good at playing chess. But last time I didn't manage to win. | |
| 2. Designation of permission and prohibition. In this category modal verbs can, may and must have similar meanings . But, specifically can has a generalized specificity, is more colloquial in nature, and is more often used in interrogative and negative phrases. | Can I use your computer? yes, you can. | May I use your computer? Yes, use it. |
| The children cannot go out. | Children are not allowed to go outside. | |
| You can go to the club after you clean the flat. | You can go to the club after you clean the apartment. | |
| Nobody can play with my toys! | Nobody can play with my toys! | |
| She can come in. | She can enter. | |
| You can't watch such films. | You shouldn't watch such films. | |
| 3. Expression of request. This meaning can be used modal verbs can, could, as well as may, might. Moreover, the past forms always express an extreme degree of politeness and respect. Shades of meanings vary in degree of formality - can is a more colloquial variant. However, in recent years, the British are increasingly preferring the use of can instead of might. |
Could you open window? | Could you open the window? |
| Mom, can I buy chips and cola? | Mom, can I buy some chips and coke? | |
| Could you give me a glass of water? | Could you give me a glass of water? | |
| Can I lend your pencil? | May I borrow your pencil? | |
| dad, can I buy two games? | Dad, can I buy 2 games? | |
| Could you spell his name? | Could you spell his name? | |
| Can we go home? | Can we go home? | |
| 4. Indication of an objective possibility, i.e. what is theoretically possible or forbidden. | You can read about this case in the newspaper. | You can read about this case in the newspaper. |
| We cannot cross the street here. | We can't cross the street here. | |
| He can find it on the Internet. | He can find it on the Internet. | |
| I couldn't change the situation. | I couldn't change the situation. | |
| 5. Expression of doubt, surprise, distrust. For doubt use questions with can. And distrust is expressed by the denial of can't, but the extreme degree of distrust is expressed by a question with could. |
Can it be true? | Is that really true? |
| He can't run faster than I can. | He can't run faster than me. | |
| Could our son be in this club? | How could our son be in this club? | |
| Can she learn English herself? | Is she learning English on her own? | |
| 6. Designation of the possibility of performing actions in the past, their assumption or reproach for non-fulfillment. These are just the cases in which the perfect infinitive and could are used. At the same time, negative phrases carry a shade of improbability of events. |
She could have told me about it. | She could tell me about it. (but didn't tell) |
| He couldn't have called you! | He couldn't call you! (unbelievable that he called her). | |
| They could have gone to the theater, but they didn't. | They could have gone to the theatre, but they didn't. | |
| The door was closed. Who could have closed it? Jack could have closed the door; the neighbors' say that they saw him. |
The door was closed. Who could close it? Jack could close it because the neighbors say they saw him. |
|
Possibility, ability to do something (I can, I can)
I can play the piano. - I can play the piano.
I cannot swim. - I can not swim.
Can you sing? - Can you sing?
I could not ski when I was little. - I couldn't ski when I was little.
She could not jump so high. She couldn't jump that high.
Exercise 1.
Translate the sentences into Russian.
1. I can answer the questions. They are very easy.
2. This old woman cannot sleep at night.
3. Can you speak Spanish?
4. Mike can run very fast.
5. I was sure that you couldn't translate that article.
6. The children cannot carry this box: it is too heavy.
7. We knew that she could swim well.
8. I can give you my book for a couple of days.
9. I could not solve the problem, but he explained it to me.
10. Nobody could help me.
Exercise 2.
Translate into English using the modal verb can (could)
1. My dad can speak German.
2. I can't drink this milk.
3. Did you know how to swim last year?
4. They were happy that they were able to help their friends.
5. Can you help her? - I can.
6. I can't watch TV in the evenings, I have too much to do.
7. She couldn't get him to get to work.
8. What can I say?
9. You cannot love and be wise.
10. Good advice can be given, a good name cannot be given.
to be able to- Verb equivalent can
He is able to do it. - He can do it.
Was not able to do it yesterday. - He could have done it yesterday.
Not will be able to do it tomorrow. - He can do it tomorrow.
Has not been able to swim since childhood. He has been able to swim since childhood.
Exercise 3
Translate into English using the expression to be able to.
1. Yesterday I could not see the director.
2. I think she will not be able to solve this problem.
3. Can you do this work tomorrow?
4. We will be able to go to New York next year.
5. We know that she can swim since childhood.
6. She won't be able to get to the airport on time.
7. Tomorrow I will be free and I can help you.
8. They never appreciated your kindness.
9. I'm afraid that he won't be able to help me move to a new house next week.
10. He has been able to ski for 10 years.
In interrogative sentences, it can express bewilderment (really? ...)
Can she have spent all the money? Has she spent all her money?
Can he be ill? – Is he sick?
Can he be sleeping? – Is he sleeping?
Can he have lost your book? Has he lost your book?
In negative sentences, it can express distrust, doubt (it cannot be ...).
He can't have done it. “It can't be that he did it.
In interrogative sentences, they can express a request (could is a more polite form) (can, can, allow, could you).
Can I have another cup of coffee? - Can I have another cup of coffee?
Could you show me your collection? - Could you show me your collection?
Can your brother help me with mathematics? - Could your brother help me with math?
Exercise 4
Choose offers that:
a) can expresses possibility;
b) can makes a polite request;
c) can expresses bewilderment (really);
d) can"t means "can't be".
Translate the sentences into Russian.
l. Can you tell me the way to the nearest post office?
2. I couldn't read so many books.
3. Can she have been waiting for us all this time?
4. She can't come tomorrow because they will be working the whole day.
5. “But they can't be as bad as he!”.
6. Could you leave the boy here for half an hour? I want him to help me.
7. John can't have broken the radio set.
8. Can it have been so cold?
9. This picture can't have been painted by an Italian artist.
10. Could you help me with the translation of this article?
11. He shut himself up in his study for the whole day, and I could see through the window that he was writing busily.
12. He can't have forgotten to buy flowers.
13. Bungalows are for old people who can't climb the stairs.
14. Can I have a banana? 15. Can he be a good runner?
Exercise 5
Fill in the gaps with modal verbs can (not), could (not), be able to. Translate the proposals.
1. … you tell me the time, please?
2. Who is that outside? It … be the postman – he has already been here.
3. You … make an omelet without breaking eggs.
4. Mr. Marshall is busy this week, but he … see you next week.
5. It … be 12 o'clock already!
6. I'll get a car of my own as soon as I … drive.
7. Interpreters … translate without thinking.
8. He … sell his car unless he reduces the price.
9. … you lend me your bike?
10. He … have left.
Exercise 6
Translate into English using the modal verbs can (could), be able to.
1. She can never be on time.
2. Did your grandmother know how to dance when she was young?
3. I think she will not be able to solve this problem.
4. Hurry up: you might miss the train.
5. Did he really translate the whole book?
6. It can't be that they sold their house.
7. Where are my books? - I do not know. Mom could put them in the closet.
8. Can you email him tonight?
9. It can't be that he took first place.
10. Was it really that cold?
In this lesson, we will discuss the use modal verb can, and also consider modal verb could in English.
Modal verb can in English
can - be able, I can
You can take my car. You can take my car.
A few rules to remember:
1. Can is self-contained, so we don't use to before the next semantic verb.
I can go. I can go.
2. Can is always used WITHOUT auxiliary verbs. To negate, we add the particle not to can. When asked, can is moved to the beginning.
I can't take you with me. I can't take you with me.
I can't go with them. I can't go with them.
You can't help us. Get away! You can't help us. Leave!
Can you do the same? Can you do the same?
Why can't you believe me? Why can't you believe me?
Can you swim? You can swim?
Can you help me? You can help me?
3. Can is only used in the present tense. In the future tense, the verb can can be expressed by turnover to be able to. For the past tense, the modal verb could is used (more on this later).
My friend Mark will be able to speak English. My friend Mark will be able to speak English.
Mark will not be able to work with Rachel. Mark will not be able to work with Rachel.
Modal verb could in English
could - be able, I can, could
1. Could is the past tense of the modal verb can. But there is a small nuance here. When we talk about what we could do in the past at any (long) point in time, then we use could , but if we are talking about a specific situation, then you should use was (were) able to . Couldn "t can be used in any situation (in a specific situation, or talking about some long time in the past).
When he went to kindergarten, he already could talk. When he went to kindergarten, he could already speak.
Did you cancel the order? Yes I was able to cancel this order. Have you canceled your order? Yes, I was able to cancel this order.
Yesterday I was so tired and I couldn't do nothing. Yesterday I was so tired and couldn't do anything.