Present Modals of Ability – English Grammar Lessons

Summary

This video lesson introduces the concept of modals of ability, focusing on the modal verb 'can'. It explains how 'can' is used with a base verb to show ability, such as in examples like 'I can dance' or 'He can play the guitar'. The script also covers negative forms with 'can't', as well as forming questions like 'Can you snowboard?'. It highlights the pronunciation of 'can' in different contexts and encourages learners to practice with example sentences. The video aims to help viewers understand and use modals of ability confidently in everyday speech.

Takeaways

• 😀 A modal is a word that comes before the main verb and gives extra meaning to the verb.
• 😀 'Can' is a modal of ability, used to express what someone is able to do.
• 😀 Examples of 'can' in sentences include: 'I can dance,' 'I can ride a horse,' and 'I can use a computer.'
• 😀 Modals like 'can' are always followed by a base verb, which has no ending (-s, -ed, or -ing).
• 😀 'Can't' is the negative form of 'can,' used to express what someone is not able to do (e.g., 'I can't swim').
• 😀 To ask if someone is able to do something, use 'can' followed by a subject and base verb (e.g., 'Can you snowboard?').
• 😀 In rapid speech, 'can' is often pronounced as 'ken' in positive sentences, but 'can't' is stressed in negative sentences.
• 😀 Both 'can' and 'can't' are stressed in short answers to questions (e.g., 'Can you dance? Yes, I can.' or 'No, I can't.').
• 😀 The phrase 'What can YOU do?' encourages learners to talk about their abilities, using 'I can' or 'I can't'.
• 😀 The script ends with an activity, asking viewers to look at images and create sentences with 'I can' or 'I can't'.

Q & A

What is a modal in grammar?

A modal is a word that comes before the main verb to give it extra meaning, often indicating ability, possibility, necessity, or permission.

What does the modal 'can' express?

'Can' is a modal of ability, meaning it shows that someone is able to do something.

Can you provide examples of sentences with 'can'?

Examples include: 'I can dance,' 'I can ride a horse,' and 'I can use a computer.'

What is the function of a base verb in a sentence with 'can'?

The base verb follows 'can' and has no endings like -s, -ed, or -ing. For example, 'I can cook' or 'You can ride a bike.'

How do we form negative sentences with 'can'?

We use 'can't' (short for 'cannot') and a base verb to express inability, like 'I can't swim' or 'She can't play the piano.'

How do we ask questions with 'can'?

To ask if someone is able to do something, we use 'Can' followed by the subject and a base verb, such as 'Can you snowboard?' or 'Can he play baseball?'

How do we answer yes/no questions with 'can'?

In response to a 'can' question, we use 'Yes, I can' or 'No, I can't' for positive and negative answers, respectively.

What is the pronunciation difference between 'can' in positive and negative sentences?

In positive sentences, 'can' is often pronounced as 'ken' (e.g., 'I can ski'). However, 'can't' is always stressed in negative sentences (e.g., 'I can't swim').

How do we pronounce 'can' in questions?

'Can' is pronounced as 'ken' in questions, but both 'can' and 'can't' are stressed in short answers.

What should you do in the activity at the end of the lesson?

In the activity, you should look at the images provided and create sentences using 'I can' or 'I can't' based on what you see.