Modals: can/can't, could, will, shall
Introduction - "can"
We use "can":- to describe ability
- "Clara can speak French very well."
- to ask for, give or refuse permission
- "They can finish the report next week."
- to make requests
- "Can we rearrange the meeting?"
- to make suggestions
- "We can go to the cinema if you like."
Form - "can"
We use "can" + infinitive of the main verb (without "to").| Positive |
I
You We They She / He / It |
can | run | very fast. |
| Negative |
can't
cannot |
| question | Can |
I
you we they he / she / it |
run | very fast? |
| answer | Yes, | can. | ||
| No, |
can't.
cannot. |
Practice
Complete the sentences using the correct form of "can" and the verb in brackets:.
Introduction - "could"
We use "could":- as the past tense of "can"
- "I could speak Spanish well when I was at school."
- "They couldn’t eat at the restaurant because they didn’t book first."
- "Could you see the moon last night?"
- for possibilities and options
-
"I could take Spanish lessons, or I could go to Spain."
- to make polite requests.
-
"Could you help carry my suitcases?"
Form - "could"
We use "could" + infinitive of the main verb (without "to").| Positive |
I
You We They She / He / It |
could | buy | the tickets. |
| Negative |
couldn't
could not |
| question | Could |
I
you we they he / she / it |
buy | the tickets? |
| answer | Yes, | could. | ||
| No, | couldn't. |
Practice
Complete the sentences using the correct form of "could" and the verb in brackets:.
Further practice
Complete the sentences with the correct answer from a, b, c or d:.
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Beginner
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- Modals: can/can't, could, will, shall
- Verb patterns
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Intermediate
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- Past simple vs. present perfect
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- Modals: must, have to, should, should have
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