Modal Verbs Can & Cannot

Modal Verbs

Can and Cannot Express ability or opportunity, to request or offer permission, and to show possibility or impossibility.
Modal Verbs and Its Function Positive Forms 1. I can wake up early in the morning. 2. He can study the revision book for three hours straight. Negative Forms My mother will wake me up every morning because I cannot wake up on my own. She did not sleep well last night, so she cannot focus well in the class. Sheila cannot go out to the fun fair because she has not finished her homework. You cannot go into university if you do not study hard. Hana cannot go out from her house because she was naughty at school. Jamil did not go to tuition today, so his mom said he cannot go out to play football with his friend. Cant I go to the stadium next week? I want to watch Malaysia versus Singapore football match. Cant I rest for a while? I am tired from school activities. There is no way that you cannot finish your homework within 5 days. If you cannot sleep at night, try to drink warm milk first.

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Ability

2.

Opportunity

1. Suhaimi has no homework today. He can go to the field and play football. 2. Tomorrow is Saturday, and we can visit the Zoo.

1.

2.

Permission

Request

1. Rahim can earn extra pocket money if he behaves himself well. 2. Siti can only go out to watch movie at cinema if she finishes all her homework. 1. Can I sleep late tonight? Malaysia is going to face Arsenal football club, live from Stadium Bukit Jalil. 2. Can I have fried rice for my dinner? 1. Anyone can go to school to learn something for their future. 2. If you can do your dishes when you finish your dinner, your mother might be proud of you.

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2.

1.

2.

1.

Possibility

2.

Khirol Azuddin

Modal Verbs Can & Cannot

A. Gap-Filling Exercise Complete the sentences using can or cannot.

1. If you feel sick, you _________ go home unless you ask for permission by the teacher

first.
2. Everyone! If you _________ come for Sports House practice in this afternoon, you

will get a letter of warning.

3. Syazana _________ run very fast in 100 metres sprint. 4. Zakri _________ get first place in the class if he studies really well. 5. _________ I get fever if I play football in heavy rain? 6. You _________ waste any time now. The examination is around the corner. 7. No one _________ play badminton if you do not bring your sport attire. 8. Badrul _________ watch cartoon after he has done his homework. 9. _________ go home because you missed the bus? Tell your parents or teachers first

before doing anything on your own.

10. They _________ borrow the storybook from the library because they did not bring

their library card.

B. Group Work What are things that you can do or cannot do when you are in a public space (bank, hospital, library, etc.)? Can Cannot

Khirol Azuddin