Talking about ability, possibility and obligation

Talking about ability, possibility and obligation

Modal verbs- ability (can)

• I can swim, but I can't play tennis.

• I can play basketball, but I can't do gymnastics.

Modal verbs- ability (can)

• to talk about something we are/ aren't able to do at this moment.

Modal verbs- ability (can)

Examples

+ They can all skateboard.

- You can't stand up.

? Can you surf, too?

- Yes, I can.

- No, I can't.

What sports can and can't you do?

Modal verbs- ability (could)

• I couldn't swim when I was five.

• I could ride a bike when I was 9.

Modal verbs- ability (could)

• To talk abou something we were/ weren't able to do in the past.

• 
  

Modal verbs- ability (could)

• + She could do it.

• - I couldn't stand up.

Modal verbs- ability (could)

Think back when you were very young. What sports can you do now that you couldn't do when you were five years old?

Modal verbs- possibility (can)

• A friend is coming mountain climbing with me for the first time and I want to tell him what he can expect to happen.

Modal verbs- possibility (can)

• Can or can't to talk about possibility.

Modal verbs- possibility (can)

• + It can be dangerous.

• - You can't play tennis today; you haven't got your racket.

It can be very cold in the mountains , so what do I have to wear?

Modal verbs- obligation

• To talk about something that is/ isn't necessary.

• To talk about something that was necessary.

Modal verbs- obligation

+ The only equipment they have to buy is a helmet and a skateboard.

- They don't have to buy special equipment.

+ First they had to learn the basic movements.