1. Ability
Can is undoubtedly the most frequently used modal verb. The general use of ‘can’ describes a general or specific ability to do something either in a natural or learned way.
E.g. I can swim. = I have the ability to swim.
For the elementary level it is interesting to engage students by means of flashcards. They will describe what they can do and what they cannot do.
2. Permission
When a speaker asks for permission he/she uses very likely the modal verb ‘can’. Furthermore, it is also important to use ‘please’ when we ask for permission.
E.g. To a friend: Can I borrow your pen, please?
o Note: However, could is a more polite way to ask for permission.
To the teacher: Could I borrow your pen, please?
May
1. Possibility …show more content…
Suggestions or advice
Students use this modal verb to give advice on something. Since, it is mostly used in conversation this modal verb has its place in role plays during class.
E.g. Do you like the white or red dress? - You should wear this beautiful red dress. 2. Threshold (B1) and Vantage (B2)
The difficulty here is to distinguish the explanation of modal verbs. At this stage, students know that one modal verbal can have different meanings. Modals have multiple meanings and this can be confusing for students. It is possible that they misunderstand a particular exercise in their textbook and workbook.
Can
1. General truths
To talk about general statements with a theoretical possibility. The speaker’s opinion is then well-founded on the reality or some truthful information.
E.g. Smoking can cause cancer.
Can and could
I have already discussed the modal verbs ‘can’ in the A1 and A2 levels. However, there are some details to be added. The most important thing to know while learning past modal verbs at the threshold and vantage level is the tense we use. The students find it sometimes difficult to relate the tense with its appropriate modal verb. The modal verb ‘can’ is a simplified introduction to this part of the grammar. Students distinguish ‘can’ with its past modal ‘could’. It is interesting to point this out as they have already learned the present and past tense during their first learning
Can is undoubtedly the most frequently used modal verb. The general use of ‘can’ describes a general or specific ability to do something either in a natural or learned way.
E.g. I can swim. = I have the ability to swim.
For the elementary level it is interesting to engage students by means of flashcards. They will describe what they can do and what they cannot do.
2. Permission
When a speaker asks for permission he/she uses very likely the modal verb ‘can’. Furthermore, it is also important to use ‘please’ when we ask for permission.
E.g. To a friend: Can I borrow your pen, please?
o Note: However, could is a more polite way to ask for permission.
To the teacher: Could I borrow your pen, please?
May
1. Possibility …show more content…
Suggestions or advice
Students use this modal verb to give advice on something. Since, it is mostly used in conversation this modal verb has its place in role plays during class.
E.g. Do you like the white or red dress? - You should wear this beautiful red dress. 2. Threshold (B1) and Vantage (B2)
The difficulty here is to distinguish the explanation of modal verbs. At this stage, students know that one modal verbal can have different meanings. Modals have multiple meanings and this can be confusing for students. It is possible that they misunderstand a particular exercise in their textbook and workbook.
Can
1. General truths
To talk about general statements with a theoretical possibility. The speaker’s opinion is then well-founded on the reality or some truthful information.
E.g. Smoking can cause cancer.
Can and could
I have already discussed the modal verbs ‘can’ in the A1 and A2 levels. However, there are some details to be added. The most important thing to know while learning past modal verbs at the threshold and vantage level is the tense we use. The students find it sometimes difficult to relate the tense with its appropriate modal verb. The modal verb ‘can’ is a simplified introduction to this part of the grammar. Students distinguish ‘can’ with its past modal ‘could’. It is interesting to point this out as they have already learned the present and past tense during their first learning