Worldlink Intro B

USE OF CAN
We use can to express ability. We use cannot or cant to express inability.

a) in the affirmative form, the order is:

subject Can Verb in infinitive complement

Yes, Lisa Can cook lasagna

He Can speak English and Chinese
They Can repair the computers in 2 hours
Yes, She Can understand algebra

b) in the negative form, the order is:

subject Cant / cannot Verb in infinitive complement

No, Lisa Cant cook lasagna

He Cant speak any language except Spanish.
They Cannot repair the computers fast
No, She Cant understand algebra

c) In the interrogative form, the order is:

wh word Can Subject Verb in infinitive complement ?

- Can Lisa cook lasagna ?

What languages Can He speak ?
How fast Can They repair the computers ?
- Can She understand algebra ?

We can also use Can or Cant to ask for permission and to give or to deny permission:

Ask for permission Give permission Deny permission

Can I smoke? Yes, you can smoke. No, you cannot smoke.
Can I go to the bathroom? Yes, you can (go to the bathroom). No you cant (go to the bathroom).

EXERCISES:
I. Put the following sentences in the correct order:

1. you / do / can / many things / the new computer / with.

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2. A fireman / help / can / people in accidents.

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3. You / learn / English well / if you study a lot / can.

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4. ? / I / use / telephone / your / can / please.

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5. In any country in the world / cant / consume steroids / athletes.

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6. Jerry / catch / in any episode / cant / Tom .

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PROHIBIDA SU REPRODUCCION TOTAL O PARCIAL TRONWELL S.A.

 Worldlink Intro B
7. An adult / many things / cant / that children can do / do.

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8. Where / buy / I / can / something for a headache. / ?

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9. Open / please / can / the window / you / ?

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II. Answer the following questions:

E.g.: What typical beverages can you drink in Chile?

You can drink Chicha, Enguindado, Pisco, Mote con Huesillos, Mistela, Licor de Oro, Navegado,
etc.

1. What can you do with a computer?

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2. Where can you buy cars?

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3. What can an Architect do?

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4. What languages can you learn at Tronwell?

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5. Can Santiago reduce its levels of pollution?

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6. What countries can put men in Space?

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7. What country can people dance Samba in?

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8. What food can you eat in Italy?

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III. Make the appropriate question according to the answers.

E.g.:
1. No, you cant smoke here.
Can I smoke here please? ___________________________________________________

1. Yes, I can speak German.

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2. You can find cheap restaurants downtown.

(Where) ________________________________________________________________

PROHIBIDA SU REPRODUCCION TOTAL O PARCIAL TRONWELL S.A.

 Worldlink Intro B

Exercise III (Continued)

3. No Sir, you cant take photographs (at the museum).

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4. This machine can scan and photocopy documents, and it can print documents.

(What) _________________________________________________________________
5. (The doctor) You can eat vegetables, fruit, and seafood. You cant eat sweets, pasta and meat.

(What) _________________________________________________________________
6. You can visit Santa Lucia and San Cristbal Hills, the Civic Center, etc, in Santiago.

(What places) ___________________________________________________________

7. Sorry, You cant use the car, son. You drink too much.

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8. Yes, Sir. You can pay with any credit card.

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9. You can call for Room Service around the clock (24 hours a day).

(Until what time) _________________________________________________________

10. Go to Aisle 24. You can find all types of chocolates and sweets there.

(Where) ________________________________________________________________

PROHIBIDA SU REPRODUCCION TOTAL O PARCIAL TRONWELL S.A.