The document discusses using modal verbs like "can" and "can't" to express ability in English. It states that these verbs are used to talk about abilities that are generally true in the present. It provides examples of sentence structures using these modal verbs, including subject + modal verb + base verb. It also demonstrates question and short answer forms using modal verbs to express ability.

1. SURVIVAL A2
ENGLISH
USING MODAL VERBS TO EXPRESS ABILITY

2. FUNCTION

3. FUNCTION
Ability:

4. FUNCTION
Ability:
We use the modal verbs
“can” and “can’t” to talk
about our ability to do
something:

5. FUNCTION
Ability: Can
We use the modal verbs
“can” and “can’t” to talk
about our ability to do
something:

6. FUNCTION
Ability: Can Can
We use the modal verbs
“can” and “can’t” to talk
about our ability to do
something:

7. FUNCTION
Ability: Can Can
We use the modal verbs
“can” and “can’t” to talk
about our ability to do
something:
We use “can” and “can’t” to
express abilities that are
generally true in the
present.

8. FORM

9. FORM
Jennifer can skate.

10. FORM
Jennifer can skate.
Rachael can’t skate.

11. FORM
Jennifer can skate.
Subject + modal + base verb
Rachael can’t skate.

12. FORM
Jennifer can skate.
Subject + modal + base verb
Jennifer
Rachael
Rachael can’t skate.

13. FORM
Jennifer can skate.
Subject + modal + base verb
Jennifer can
Rachael can’t
Rachael can’t skate.

14. FORM
Jennifer can skate.
Subject + modal + base verb
Jennifer can skate.
Rachael can’t skate.
Rachael can’t skate.

15. FORM
Jennifer can skate.
Subject + modal + base verb
Jennifer can skate.
Rachael can’t skate.
A base verb is the verb alone, without
the infinitive (to) or conjugation. It is
the simple verb you would find in the
Rachael can’t skate. dictionary.

16. QUESTION FORM

17. QUESTION FORM
Modal + subject + base verb

18. QUESTION FORM
Modal + subject + base verb
Can
Can’t

19. QUESTION FORM
Modal + subject + base verb
Can Jennifer
Can’t Rachael

20. QUESTION FORM
Modal + subject + base verb
Can Jennifer skate?
Can’t Rachael skate?

21. SHORT ANSWER FORM

22. SHORT ANSWER FORM
Can Jennifer skate?

23. SHORT ANSWER FORM
Can Jennifer skate?
Yes, she can.

24. SHORT ANSWER FORM
Can Jennifer skate?
Yes, she can.
Can’t Rachael skate?

25. SHORT ANSWER FORM
Can Jennifer skate?
Yes, she can.
Can’t Rachael skate?
No, she can’t.

26. EXAMPLES

27. EXAMPLES
You can use my car.

28. EXAMPLES
You can use my car.
Thanks, but I can’t drive.

29. EXAMPLES
You can use my car.
Thanks, but I can’t drive.
Can you help me move on Saturday?

30. EXAMPLES
You can use my car.
Thanks, but I can’t drive.
Can you help me move on Saturday?
Yes, I can actually. I don’t have to work.

31. Exclusive use for:
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