Can for ability, request, possibility, permission (English File Elementary 3rd edition; File 5A)

1. Can / can’t
5A English File Elementary

2. 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?

3. 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.

4. Permission
 Use can /can’t to ask for and give
permission.
Can I go to the toilet, please? - Yes, you can
Can I speak to Mr Smith, please? - No, you
can’t. He’s sleeping at the moment.

5. 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?

6. LOOK AT THE BOX AND WRITE SENTENCES.
ACTIONS
DIANA 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  X
EXAMPLE: - Diana can run very fast but Leonardo can’t.

7. 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.