Full transcript
0:02ESL Library
0:07Modals of Ability
0:11What is a modal?
0:14A modal is a word that comes before the main verb.
0:20A modal gives a verb extra meaning.
0:24The modal "can" is a modal of ability.
0:29"Can" means you are able to do something.
0:35For example: I can dance.
0:40I can ride a horse.
0:44I can use a computer.
0:51Modals are always followed by a base verb.
0:55A base verb is a verb with no ending added to it.
1:01A base verb has no -s, -ed,
1:07or -ing ending.
1:14We use "can" and a base verb when someone is able to do something.
1:21I can cook.
1:25You can ride a bike.
1:29He can play the guitar.
1:37We use "can't" and a base verb when someone is not able to do something.
1:43"Can't" is short for "cannot."
1:47You cannot swim.
1:52She can't play the piano.
1:57They can't drive.
2:03We use "can," a subject, and a base verb to ask
2:09if someone is able to do something.
2:13Can you snowboard?
2:16Yes, I can.
2:18No, I can't.
2:22Can he play baseball?
2:25Yes, he can.
2:28No, he can't.
2:31Can the children ski?
2:34Yes, they can.
2:37No, they can't.
2:43When speaking quickly, we often don't stress "can."
2:48We pronounce "can" as "ken" in positive sentences.
2:54I can ski.
2:57She can sing.
3:06We always stress "can't" in negative sentences.
3:10I can't swim.
3:14He can't ride a horse.
3:23We pronounce "can" as "ken" in questions,
3:27but we stress both "can" and "can't" in short answers.
3:32Can you dance?
3:34Yes, I can.
3:36No, I can't.
3:41Can you use a computer?
3:44Yes, I can.
3:46No, I can't.
3:54Now you try! Listen and repeat.
4:00I can ski.
4:08She can sing.
4:15I can't swim.
4:23He can't ride a horse.
4:32Can you play the piano?
4:38Yes, I can.
4:44No, I can't.
4:50What can YOU do? Look at the images.
4:53Make a sentence for each image with "I can" or "I can't."
5:32Thanks for watching!