Modal verbs. Can

Can has two forms - the form can, which is used when the action refers to the present, sometimes to the future and the form could, which is used when the action refers to the ___.

Can is used to express...

• ability

• doubt

• obligation

• supposition

• improbability

The modal expression to be able can be used to replace the verb can when the action refers to the future.

• true

• false

The form could is used to express...

• unreality

• polite request

• uncertainty

• necessity

State the function of the modal verb: Can he have emigrated?

• ability

• possibility

• doubt

• improbability

State the function of the modal verb: You can get very nasty skin diseases from bathing in dirty water.

• ability

• possibility

• doubt

• improbability

State the function of the modal verb: I can travel in July because my exams will definitely be finished at the beginning of that month.

• ability

• possibility

• doubt

• improbability

State the function of the modal verb: She can speak Japanese.

• ability

• possibility

• doubt

• improbability

State the function of the modal verb: The machine can translate simple messages into 24 different languages.

• ability

• possibility

• doubt

• improbability

State the function of the modal verb: Surely he can’t have forgotten about the wedding!

• ability

• possibility

• doubt

• improbability