Goals
1. Understand how to use the verb 'can' to express abilities and permissions.
2. Apply 'can' in practical, everyday scenarios.
3. Distinguish between using 'can' for abilities versus permissions.
4. Grow in confidence when using 'can' in full sentences.
Contextualization
The verb 'can' is a fundamental element of communication in English, enabling individuals to share what they can do and to ask for or give permissions. Think about the significance of expressing 'I can swim' in a job interview for a lifeguard position, or saying 'Can I borrow your phone?' in an urgent situation. Clear and precise communication is essential in daily life as well as in the workplace.
Subject Relevance
To Remember!
Using the verb 'can' to express abilities
The verb 'can' describes the abilities or skills that someone has. It's crucial for effective communication, letting people convey what they're able to do. For example, saying 'I can use Excel' in a job interview communicates that you possess that skill.
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Facilitates clear expression of capabilities.
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Key for job interviews and performance reviews.
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Helps share skills in both professional and personal interactions.
Using the verb 'can' to request and grant permissions
Besides conveying abilities, 'can' is equally important for asking for and granting permissions. This is essential in daily and professional contexts, ensuring that interactions remain polite and respectful. For example, saying 'Can I leave a bit early today?' is a courteous way to seek permission at work.
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Vital for maintaining positive relationships.
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Encourages polite and respectful communication.
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Relevant in personal and work settings, such as asking for permission at home or in the office.
Structure of affirmative, negative, and interrogative sentences with 'can'
To use 'can' correctly, it's important to understand the structures for affirmative ('I can swim'), negative ('I cannot swim'), and interrogative ('Can you swim?') sentences. Each structure serves its purpose and is critical for clear and efficient communication.
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Affirmative sentences: used to state abilities.
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Negative sentences: used to indicate a lack of abilities.
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Interrogative sentences: used to inquire about abilities or permissions.
Practical Applications
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In a job interview, you might say 'I can effectively manage a team.'
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In the workplace, use 'can' to politely ask for permission: 'Can I take a day off next week?'
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During casual chats, you could say 'Can I assist you with that?'
Key Terms
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Modal verb 'can': A verb that expresses abilities and permissions.
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Affirmative sentence: A structure declaring an ability, e.g., 'I can swim.'
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Negative sentence: A structure denying an ability, e.g., 'I cannot swim.'
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Interrogative sentence: A structure asking about an ability or permission, e.g., 'Can you swim?'
Questions for Reflections
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How can effectively using 'can' to express skills impact a job interview?
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Why is it necessary to use 'can' respectfully when asking for permission?
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How can clear communication of skills and permissions affect your personal and professional relationships?
Practical Challenge: Diary of Abilities and Permissions
To deepen your understanding of the verb 'can', you'll keep a diary documenting real-life situations from your daily routine where you use 'can' to describe abilities and ask for permissions.
Instructions
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For a week, write down at least three instances each day where you utilized 'can' to either express an ability or seek permission.
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Briefly outline each situation and note down the phrase you employed.
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Reflect on your notes at the end of the week and think about how using 'can' aided in communicating those situations.
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Share your reflections and examples with the class in the next lesson.
