Ex. 1- Ability and Possibility: Can and Could-Introduction

Instructions. Select can, can't, could, or couldn't from the drop down menu.

Explanation

Can is often used to express ability and possibility. Look at the following examples:

Ability: Jim can sing well.
Possibility: We can clean our apartment tomorrow.

Negative forms: cannot or can not; contraction-->can't
Andy can't come to class tomorrow.

Past ability and possibility: could and could not; contraction-->couldn't
When Tom was little, he could speak English and Spanish.
Jerry couldn't come to work yesterday because he was sick.

Question forms and short answers:
Can Gary play the piano too? Yes, he can.
Can animals reason like humans? No, they can't.
1. I do this algebra problem. It's too confusing.
2. If you don't have a driver's license, you drive legally.
3. Tony: I see the board very well.
Henry: Why don't you move up closer?
4. Mr. Wallace: I find my keys. Have you seen them?
Mrs. Wallace: Did you look in your coat pocket?
5. I fix my car because I don't have the right tools.
6. Eileen: How did you like your trip downtown?
Teresa: We find a taxi, so we took the bus to the plaza. It was nice.
7. Mildred: Why you come with us yesterday?
Peggy: I had to work late.
8. Jeremy: When we eat? I'm hungry.
Mother: It will be ready in a few minutes.
9. Tourist: Excuse me. Do you know where I find a drinking fountain?
Hotel worker: There's one down the hall on your left.
10. Mrs. Higgins: Charles said he help us paint the house.
Mr. Higgins: We sure use the help. It's a major job.
11. Allan: Did you say you give me a ride to work?
Randy: Yeah sure. I'll be by at 7:30.
12. Customer: My car won't start. It makes a clicking sound but doesn't turn over.
Mechanic: It sounds like you have a bad battery. I test it for you.
Customer: Sure.
13, 14, 15. Manager: Where are Harry and Dan? They are supposed to be here at 7:00 and it's already 7:20.
Employee: Harry called and said he get here on time because of a car problem. He said he would be here by 8:00.
Manager: Where's Dan?
Employee: I don't know. He never called in. He be stuck in traffic. He has a cell phone, so we call him.