The document discusses the use of the modal verb "can" to express ability in English, including how it is used in affirmative and negative statements as well as questions. It provides examples of how "can" is correctly used with main verbs and contrasts incorrect usages. The document also covers the pronunciation of "can" and "can't" as well as using the phrase "know how to" as another way to express ability in English.

1. 1 THE USE OF CAN
MODAL VERB: EXPRESSING ABILITY
TEACHER: ALVARO MORAGA
DATE: MARCH 5H, 2012
CLASS: 9TH GRADERS

2. CONTENTS
12-1 Using can
12-2 Pronunciation of can and can’t
12-3 Using can: questions

3. 12-1 USING CAN
Francisca is smart.
She can speak five languages.
3

4. 12-1 USING CAN
(a) Francisca is smart.
She can speak five languages.
(b) I have some money.
I can buy a present for my mom.
(c) You are smart. You can fix cars.
ability
can
possibility
4

5. 12-1 USING CAN
(d) CORRECT: Fran can ride a bike.
simple form
can of main verb
5

6. 12-1 USING CAN
(d) CORRECT: Fran can ride a bike.
(e) INCORRECT: Fran can to ride a bike.
infinitive
can with to
6

7. 12-1 USING CAN
(d) CORRECT: Fran can ride a bike.
(e) INCORRECT: Fran can to ride a bike.
(f) INCORRECT: Fran can rides a bike.
can main verb – final -s
7

8. 12-1 USING CAN
(g) Ray can not snowboard.
Ray cannot snowboard.
Ray can’t snowboard.
NEGATIVE:
can + not = can not or cannot
CONTRACTION:
8
can + not = can’t

9. 12-1 Let’s Practice
can
A dog can swim.
___ can’t
9

10. 12-1 Let’s Practice
can
A kitten ____ read.
can’t can’t
10

11. 12-1 Let’s Practice
can
can’t
A butterfly ____ dance.
can’t
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12. 12-2 PRONUNCIATION OF CAN AND CAN’T
Jonas can come to school with us.
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13. 12-2 PRONUNCIATION OF CAN AND CAN’T
(a) Jonas can come to school with us.
Can – pronounced “kun” /kən/
(b) Leo can’t come to school with us.
Can’t – pronounced as “ant” /kænt/
13

14. 12-2 Let’s Practice
can
can’t
Fish ____ swim.
can
Fish ____ fly.
can’t
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15. 12-2 Let’s Practice
can
can’t
Giraffes ____ roar.
can’t
Lions can roar.
___
15

16. 12-3 USING CAN: QUESTIONS
Amy can speak Farsi.
Can you speak French?
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17. 12-3 USING CAN: QUESTIONS
CAN + SUBJECT + MAIN
VERB
(a) Can you speak French?
Yes, I can.
No, I can’t.
(b) Can Amy drive?
Yes, she can.
No, she can’t.
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18. 12-3 USING CAN: QUESTIONS
QUESTION + CAN + SUBJECT + MAIN
WORD VERB
(c) Where can I walk my dog?
In the park.
(d) When can we bake cookies?
On Saturday.
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19. 12-3 Let’s Practice
Rose can eat Chinese food
with sticks.
_________
Can she`
________?
use sticks Yes, she can
__________.
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20. 12-3 Let’s Practice
Albert can’t play the violin.
Can he play
_________
the violin
________? No, he can’t
__________.
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21. 12-3 Let’s Practice
I can bake a cake.
___________
Can you bake
__________?
a cake Yes, I can
_________.
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22. 12-4 USING KNOW HOW TO
They know how to dance very well.
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23. 12-4 USING KNOW HOW TO
(a) They can dance.
same
(b) They know how to dance. meaning
(c) Can you dance?
same
meaning
(d) Do you know how to dance?
know how to expresses ability
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24. 12-4 Let’s Practice
Let´s practice!
_________
Do you know
Yes, I
_________
how to knit
do.
_?
.
know how to
knit
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25. 12-4 Let’s Practice
Do you know how
______________ Yes,
to play golf
____________? I do.
.
play golf
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26. 12-4 Let’s Practice
Do you know
__________
__________
how to get to get to the library
__________
the library
__?
No,
I don’t.
.
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27. Task
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Either:  Write about yourself: What things can
you do?
Or:
 Write a short story regarding a person
and the things she/he can do.