CAN- modal verb (ability, possibility, permission, request)

 

CAN MODAL VERB

CAN – ABILITY indica ciò che si è in grado di fare oppure no

POSITIVE SENTENCES                                NEGATIVE SENTENCES

I can swim  (so nuotare)                         I can’t swim     (non so nuotare)

I can ride a bike                                        I can’t ride a bike

I can use a computer                                       I can’t use a computer

QUESTIONS Can you use your mobile? Can you drive a car? Can you fly?

SHORT ANSWERS  Yes, I can/ No, I can’t

CAN – POSSIBILITY indica la possibilità di fare qualcosa

POSITIVE SENTENCES

I can go out because  I have no homework (Posso uscire perchè non ho compiti)

NEGATIVE SENTENCES

My brother can’t play football today because he’s sick (Mio fratello non può giocare a calcio oggi, perchè sta male)

CAN – PERMISSION  indica la richiesta di un permesso

EXAMPLES

Can I go out with my friends?

Can I play videogames?

Can I have the menu, please?

NOTA BENE Il soggetto è  I=io

RISPOSTE POSSIBILI

POSITIVE

Yes, you can/ Yes, of course/ Yes,  sure/ No problem/Sure,  go ahead/

NEGATIVE

No, you can’t /No, I’m sorry, but you can’t/ I’m afraid, but you can’t

CAN – REQUEST   indica una richiesta

Can you pass me the newspaper, please?

Can you tell me the time, please?

Can you help me with my Maths homework?

Can we speak with you, please?

Can we stand up, please?

Can we close our books?

NOTA BENE In questo caso il soggetto è YOU oppure  WE

RISPOSTE POSSIBILI

POSITIVE

Yes I can/Yes, sure thing./ Yes of course!/Of course I will./I can certainly do that for you./ Yes, here you go!/Sure, here you go/ OK I will/Yes, I can/Yes, definitely!

NEGATIVE

Of course not!/I’m afraid I still can’t/No, I can’t