Game techniques for practicing the use of the verb can. 2nd grade.

These gaming techniques contribute to the high activity of students; the readiness and desire to take part in the game helps to form solid knowledge on the topic being studied.

"True or false"

The goal is to practice using the verb can in affirmative and negative sentences.

Equipment – ​​pictures on the topic “sports”.

Game scenario:

The teacher shows students pictures of people involved in various sports. Showing a picture, the teacher says what the person depicted on it can do. If the teacher is right, the children say: “Yes, he/she can.” If the teacher is wrong, the children say: “No, he/she can`t.”

"Be surprised"

The goal is to practice using the verb can in interrogative and affirmative sentences.

Game scenario:

The student (driver) comes up with a proposal about what he can do. For example: I can swim. The task of the others is to express surprise: Can you? (can be carried out in a chain, in mode P.1, P.2, P.3...).

"Guess"

The goal is to practice using the verb can and vocabulary on the topic “sport.”

Game scenario:

The driver turns his back to the class. The actor is depicting some kind of sports game. The presenter guesses what kind of game it is (what sport he knows how to play) by asking questions: “Can he/she ...?” The class answers the leader’s questions in unison: “Yes, he/she can” or “No, he/she can`t.”

“Can/can’t”

The goal is to train the use of the verb can.

Equipment – ​​pictures of people performing various actions.

Game scenario:

A table consisting of two columns is drawn on the board:

He/she can…

He/she can`t…

Next to it is a list of action verbs. For example: jump, fly, swim…

The teacher shows pictures of people performing some action, the children make sentences based on them, go to the board and write them down in the appropriate column of the table.

"Cubes"

The goal is to practice the verb can and vocabulary on the topic “sport”.

Equipment is a cube, on the sides of which various objects for sports are depicted (skis, ball, skates...).

Game scenario:

Children toss the cube and, looking at the picture, say whether they can do it or not, then ask the question to the next student, passing the cube to him.

P.1 – Skate. I can skate. P.2, can you skate?

P.2 – I can`t skate. (rolls the dice).Swim. I can swim. P.3 ,can you swim?...

6. "Lazy-bones"

The goal is to initially consolidate the use of negative sentences with the verb can.

Game scenario:

The teacher asks students to perform some action, and they say that they do not know how to do it. For example:

T.- Please, dance.

P.- I can`t dance.

7. "Nonsense"

The goal is to train the use of the verb can in negative sentences.

Equipment - stars.

Game scenario:

The teacher names sentences that are not true, for example: “Cats can fly.” Students correct phrases that are incorrect from their point of view. For correct correction, the student receives a star. The one with the most stars on his desk at the end of the game wins.

"Climb the tower"

The goal is to train the ability to translate different types of sentences with the verb can from Russian into English.

Equipment – ​​a drawing depicting a tower; numbers 1, 2, 3; offers.

Game scenario:

The class is divided into three groups. A drawing depicting a tower with steps is hung on the board. The number of steps depends on the number of proposals. Cards with numbers corresponding to each team are placed on the first step of the tower. Suggestion cards are placed on the teacher's desk, written down. A representative from each team takes a proposal card and discusses the translation of the proposal with the team. If the transfer is successful, the team moves up one step. If the answer is incorrect, the team remains on the same step. The team that reaches the top of the tower first wins.

Suggestions for translation:

I can sing.

Crocodiles can swim.

Cats can't fly.

Can bears jump?

Can elephants dance?

So, dear English Learner, you have studied the theory on the topic and now let's start practicing. Having completed 11 exercises below, you will learn to distinguish the meanings of basic modal verbs can, may, must, should, and make negative and interrogative sentences with them. Below is a brief summary of the main meanings of these verbs.

English modal verbs. Exercises for Beginners (Level 1)

Exercise 1. Choose a modal verb based on its meaning and context. Translate the sentences.

When both verbs seem to fit, choose the more typical situation.

1. You (must, can) go to bed now.
2. She (may, should) read this book.
3. I (must, may) go home.
4. He (can, may) speak English.
5. The students (must, may) use a calculator at the Maths lessons.
6. My mother (can, should) cook many delicious dishes.
7. My father (must, can) drive a car.
8. Jack (can, must) play the guitar very well.
9. You (should, must) ask his advice.
10. Kate (may, can) remember a lot of words.

Exercise 2. Make these sentences that contain modal verbs negative.

1. You must read in bed.
2. You can cross the road when the lights are red.
3. You should open the window. It is cold outside.
4. It is already late. She must go outside.
5. He should dress so formal if he goes to a picnic.
6. You must keep books at home for so long.
7. You can park here.
8. Students may shout at the lessons.
9. Teachers may be late for school.
10. Parents must obey their children. ( obey- obey)

Exercise 3. Make these sentences interrogative.

1. She can play chess.
2. He can play hockey.
3. They may go to the cinema.
4. I may open the window.
5. Children and adults must clean their teeth twice a day. (How often...?)
6. Children must go to school. (Where...?)
7. English learners must learn English words every day. (What...?)
8. You should keep your room tidy. (What...?) ( keep tidy- keep in order)
9. Children should listen to their parents' advice.
10. They should be polite.

Exercise 4. Make up questions from words and give short or full answers to them.

1. your brother/ play/ table tennis/ can? - Yes, he...
2. your cousin/ can/ ride a horse? - No, he...
3. may/ go to/ I / the cinema? - Yes, you...
4. late/ may/ come home/ she? - No, she...
5. learn this poem/ must/ she/ by heart? - Yes, she...
6. books/ how many/ they/ must/ read? – Only two.
7. wear/ smart clothes/ for the party/ should/ they? - Yes,...
8. salt/ how much/ should/ put in the dish/ I ? - Just a little.
9. the student/ mobile/ phones/ use/ can/ at the exams? - No, they...
10. children/ come to school / in time/ must? - Yes, they...

Exercise 5. Find errors.

1. You don't can go to the party.
2. He must take his dog for a walk.
3. I can help you.
4. He should not be late.
5. Can his brother speak French?
6. Paul must go there.
7. You don't must smoke here.

Exercise 6. Select the correct CAN'T or COULDN'T option.

Beginners need to remember that the modal verb CAN has a past tense form - COULD.

1. When my sister was a little girl, she (can’t / couldn’t) read.
2. You (can/ could) see this picture in the Tretyakov Gallery.
3. Yesterday I lost my keys and (can’t / couldn’t) get into my flat.
4. I (can’t/ couldn’t) go out because I have a lot of work.
5. He (can’t /couldn’t) speak English when he was 10.

Remember that CAN'T and MUSTN'T are often translated as IMPOSSIBLE.

Remember that

CAN’T - IMPOSSIBLE (general rule, prohibition)

MUSTN’T - IMPOSSIBLE (personal decision of the speaker)

Exercise 7. Tell me what NOT to do. Use verbsCAN'T andMUSTN'T.

1. You _____ tell anybody about it. It is a secret.
2. The baby _______ drink cold milk.
3. You ______ cross the street here.
4. You _______speak so loudly. It is very late.
5. Little children _____ leave home alone.

Exercise 8. Translate the sentences with the expression IMPOSSIBLE. Use the verbs CAN’T (general rule, prohibition) and MUSTN’T (speaker’s decision).

1. He should not drink cold milk. He is sick. (be ill.)
2. She can't eat oranges.
3. We can't run around here.
4. You cannot talk loudly in the library. (at the library.)
5. You can't smoke here.

Exercise 9. Provide advice to teachers and students using should (shouldn't), based on the context.

Remember! Should is advice that is not mandatory.

Teachers/Students

explain the rules very well, get bad marks, give instructions, give bad marks, give nicknames, answer questions

Exercise 10. Translate sentences with forms of modal verbs into English.

1. He must... _____________ learn new English words.
2. She can... ______________play the guitar.
3. People should... ____________ be careful when crossing the street.
4. Drivers should not... __________drive fast.
5. She is allowed... ____________go to the cinema today?
6. I can’t... ____________ come home late.
7. I can’t... _____________ speak English well.
8. Children are not allowed to... ____________run here.
9. They are not allowed...___________play computer games.
10. You should...___________ try again.

Exercise 11. Translate sentences with modal verbs.

1. I don't know how to play the guitar.
2. He doesn't know how to play table tennis.
3. Can you ride a bike?
4. Can your sister drive a car?
5. Can you give me your pen?
6. It's very hot. Can you open the window?
7. Can I go to the cinema?
8. Can I use a calculator?
9. You must learn English words every day.
10. You should read books in English.
11. Adults should not yell at children.
12. You must not (cannot) use a mobile phone during the exam.

• study
• continue

Possibility, ability to do something (I can, I can)

I can play the piano. - I can play the piano.
I cannot swim. - I can not swim.
Can you sing? -Can you sing?
I could not ski when I was little. - I didn't know how to ski when I was little.
She could not jump so high. - She couldn't jump that high.

Exercise 1.
Translate the sentences into Russian.
1. I can answer the questions. They are very easy.
2. This old woman cannot sleep at night.
3. Can you speak Spanish?
4. Mike can run very fast.
5. I was sure that you couldn’t translate that article.
6. The children cannot carry this box: it is too heavy.
7. We knew that she could swim well.
8. I can give you my book for a couple of days.
9. I could not solve the problem, but he explained it to me.
10. Nobody could help me.

Exercise 2.
Translate into English using the modal verb can (could)
1. My dad can speak German.
2. I can't drink this milk.
3. Could you swim last year?
4. They were happy that they were able to help their friends.
5. Can you help her? - Can.
6. I can't watch TV in the evenings, I have too much to do.
7. She couldn’t force him to get to work.
8. What can I say?
9. You cannot love and be wise.
10. Good advice can be given, but a good name cannot be given.

to be able to- Verb equivalent can

He is able to do it. - He can do it.
Wasn't able to do it yesterday. - He could have done it yesterday.
Will not be able to do it tomorrow. - He can do it tomorrow.
Has not been able to swim since childhood. - He has been able to swim since childhood.

Exercise 3.
Translate into English using the expression to be able to.
1.Yesterday I was not able to see the director.
2. I think she will not be able to solve this problem.
3. Can you do this work tomorrow?
4. We will be able to go to New York next year.
5. We know that she can swim since childhood.
6. She won’t be able to get to the airport on time.
7. Tomorrow I will be free and will be able to help you.
8. They could never appreciate your kindness.
9. I'm afraid that he won't be able to help me move to a new house next week.
10. He has been able to ski for 10 years.

In interrogative sentences it can express bewilderment (really?...)
Can she have spent all the money? – Has she really spent all the money?
Can he be ill? - Is he really sick?
Can he be sleeping? - Is he really sleeping?
Can he have lost your book? – Has he really lost your book?

In negative sentences it can express distrust, doubt (it cannot be...).
He can't have done it. - It can't be that he did this.

In interrogative sentences they can express a request (could is a more polite form) (I can, it is possible, allow me, could you).
Can I have another cup of coffee? -Can I have another cup of coffee?
Could you show me your collection? - Could you show me your collection?
Can your brother help me with mathematics? - Could your brother help me with math?

Exercise 4.
Select offers that:
a) can expresses possibility;
b) kan expresses a polite request;
c) саn expresses bewilderment (really);
d) can"t means "cannot be".
Translate the sentences into Russian.
l. Can you tell me the way to the nearest post office?
2. I couldn’t read so many books.
3. Can she have been waiting for us all this time?
4. She can’t come tomorrow because they will be working the whole day.
5. “But they can’t be as bad as he!”
6. Could you leave the boy here for half an hour? I want him to help me.
7. John can't have the radio set broken.
8. Can it have been so cold?
9. This picture can’t have been painted by an Italian artist.
10. Could you help me with the translation of this article?
11. He shut himself up in his study for the whole day, and I could see through the window that he was writing busily.
12. He can’t have forgotten to buy flowers.
13. Bungalows are for old people who can’t climb the stairs.
14. Can I have a banana? 15. Can he be a good runner?

Exercise 5.
Fill in the gaps with modal verbs can (not), could (not), be able to. Translate the sentences.
1. … you tell me the time, please?
2. Who is that outside? It...be the postman – he has already been here.
3. You... make an omelet without breaking eggs.
4.Mr. Marshall is busy this week, but he … see you next week.
5. It... be 12 o’clock already!
6. I’ll get a car of my own as soon as I… drive.
7. Interpreters... translate without thinking.
8. He... sell his car unless he reduces the price.
9. … you lend me your bike?
10. He...have left.

Exercise 6.
Translate into English using the modal verbs can (could), be able to.
1. She can never arrive on time.
2. Did your grandmother know how to dance when she was young?
3. I think she will not be able to solve this problem.
4. Hurry up: you might miss the train.
5. Did he really translate the entire book?
6. It can't be that they sold their house.
7. Where are my books? - Don't know. Mom could put them in the closet.
8. Will you be able to send him an email tonight?
9. It can’t be that he took first place.
10. Was it really that cold?

At the elementary level, every student learns the modal verb 'can'. Typically, to practice grammar, students complete tasks such as filling in the blanks, making sentences based on pictures, and talking about what they can and cannot do. How to diversify these exercises? We offer fun exercises for practicing the modal verb ‘can’ (to reflect physical or mental ability, ability to do something).

Exercise 1 -- Creating memes or drawing pictures

What picture do you think students will remember better for the phrase “It can fly”?

Most likely the second one, since this picture is funny, memorable and unusual. To introduce and practice grammar, choose funny pictures,or just photographs instead of pictures from textbooks, which do not evoke any emotional responses in students.

If you are limited in time and cannot find suitable pictures, ask students to get creative and complete the drawings to make a suitable sentence.I really like to use pictures with cats (especially for lessons with children, such pictures really amuse children). Show students the sample sentence “It can swim.”

Give out sentences with the verb ‘can’ and ask them to complete the picture so that it matches the sentence.

Exercise 2 -- Unusual Features

We will work on developing students' creative and critical thinking. Offer two nouns, students must complete the sentence “they both can...”

For example, a parrot and a child -- they both can speak. Make the list more complex (add something that is completely different from each other - a tortoise and a tree - they both can live long), organize a competition for the most unusual possibilities that students can come up with for these pairs.

Instead of pairs of words, you can use pictures, so students will remember not only verbs, but also nouns. To make it more interesting for children and teenagers to complete the task, choose funny pictures. My children like the animals drawn in one “round” style . The group that makes the most “they both can...” sentences receives a sticker with an animal from this collection.

It will be interesting for younger schoolchildren to talk about superheroes. Show gifs of their favorite characters and discuss what they can and can't do.

Exercise 3 -- Writing sentences

To add a gamification element to writing positive and negative sentences, use a coin. Flip a coin; if it comes up heads, make positive suggestions; if it comes up tails, make negative suggestions. There are many online coins, for example pumpkin video and, of course, songs from SuperSimpleSongs.

Today we will begin to study the category of modality. It includes verbs that are not actions, but allow us to indicate shades of main events. With their help, the desire, possibility, prohibition or permission of the specified action is expressed. In today's lesson we will look at what and when the modal verb can is meant to mean in English. This is the most ambiguous and frequently encountered representative of this group in conversations. Let's consider its construction, application and other grammatical nuances.

In general, using this verb is not difficult, so even textbooks for children contain the principle of forming phrases with can. Of course, only the simplest designs are selected for children, but complicated combinations do not pose difficulties for older people.

Present tense

In an affirmative sentence, the compound predicate has the form “ can+ infinitive" It is important to note that in this case, infinitives are always used without to.

• Nick can run fast– Nick can run fast.
• My sister can cook a cake –Mysistercanpreparecake.

The conjugation of the verb can in the present tense is the same for all persons of nouns and pronouns: it never changes its form and does not attach any endings. By meaning, this form of the verb can express events of the present or future (nearest).

• My relatives can meet me at the railway station tomorrow –Morelativeswill be ableTomorrowmeetmeonstation.
• She can call themtoday“She can call them today.”

Modal verbs do not require the participation of auxiliary words, since in essence they are themselves. Therefore, they create interrogative and negative contexts on their own.

In questions, the compound predicate is broken, and can moves to the beginning of the sentence. If the phrase contains special question words, then they always precede the modal word.

• Can you bring thebook? – Can you bring this book?
• When can they arrive to us? – When can they come to us?

To negate the main verb, can adds the particle not, forming the combination cannot or can’t for short. Pay attention to the continuous spelling of the official form.

• Mywife cannot drive acar– My wife doesn’t know how to drive a car.
• I can 't cook lambchops- I won't be able to cook lamb chops.

Sometimes the verb can is used in English to construct interrogative and negative phrases. They are used in colloquial speech, as they carry an emotional connotation.

• Can 't yourchild warm up foodinthemicrowave? – Can’t your child heat up food in the microwave?
• Can 't they send methefax? -Can't they send me a fax?

Past tense

Officially, grammar distinguishes three forms for this modal word.

We’ll keep silent about the subjunctive mood for now, since it is a very complex grammatical complex, but let’s look at the constructions of the past.

The past is characterized by all the same forms of constructions as in the present, only can is transformed into could. The modal is still the same for all persons and numbers.

• I could play basketballverywellwhenIwasateenager– I could play basketball very well when I was a teenager.
• Could he read whenhewasfive? – Did he know how to read when he was 5 years old?
• My friend could not (couldn't) pass the exam – MyFriendNotcouldpassexam.
• Couldn't 't she call me? “Couldn’t she have called me?”

Often in the past tense, instead of could, the verb manage is used (the ex. form is managed). Its meaning is “successful, successful.” Please note that in this case the infinitive will be used with the particle to.

• The exam was difficult but I managed to pass it –Examwasdifficult,Butto mesucceededpasshis.
• She trained hard and she managed to break the world record –Shemanytrained,Andatherit workedbeatworldrecord.

Note that can and could are sometimes used in combination with the perfect infinitive, i.e. in combination can/could+ have+ participle II. We'll talk more about this a little later, when we discuss cases of use.

Future tense

The modal verb can in English cannot officially be used in the future tense, i.e. you cannot add will to it. Yes, you can use it to indicate shades of the future, as in Present Simple, but nothing more.

We can use can to refer to features that we already have but that we plan to use in the future. If we are talking about something that will only be mastered or received by us, then it is necessary to replace can with its equivalent to be able to. This expression translates as “to be able to do something” and can be used in all tense forms: past, presentand future.

• Myfather is able to solve anyproblem– My father is able to solve any problem.
• Jack was able to dial thenumberandcallthepolice– Jack was able to dial the number and call the police.

However, most often this combination is used to express future events.

• We will be able to move to Spain in three years –Wewe canrun overVSpainthrough 3 year.
• Nextyear I will be able to speak Englishfluently– Next year I will be able to speak English fluently .

The phrase to be able to can also be used to express a question or denial.

• Will you be able to pay forsecond vocational education? – Will you be able to pay for a second vocational education?
• They will not (won’t) be able to buy a new model of this car –TheywillNotVconditionbuynewmodelthiscars.

We have looked at how the modal verbs can, could and to be able to are used in different types of sentences. Now let's talk about their semantic meaning.

The verb can in English – when and why is it used?

In the preface to the material, we already noted that this verb is ambiguous. The table below will help us consider in detail all situations of its use. It also provides examples of constructions and their translation.