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The key grammar of Unit 1 in the People’s Education Edition of Grade 7 English is the use of modal verbs. Common modal verbs include can/could/be able to, may/might, must/have to, need, should/ought to/will/would, had better, shall/should.
Today, I will mainly introduce the use of the modal verb can, hoping it will be helpful.
Grammar Overview
Modal verbs express the speaker’s viewpoint on the action being described, such as necessity, possibility, willingness, etc. Modal verbs themselves do not have complete meanings and cannot serve as predicate verbs alone; they must be used with main verbs or linking verbs to form predicates. The modal verb can means “can; be able to; may” and is followed by the base form of the verb, with no changes for person or number.
Sentence Structures of the Modal Verb Can
Affirmative Sentence
Subject + can + base form of the verb + others. He can play the piano. 他会弹钢琴
Negative Sentence
Subject + can’t + base form of the verb + others. He can’t play the piano. 他不会弹钢琴
General Interrogative Sentence
Can + subject + base form of the verb + others?
Affirmative response: Yes, subject + can. 是的，会。
Negative response: No, subject + can’t. 不,……不会。
Can he play the piano? 他会弹钢琴吗?
Yes, he can. 是的,他会 No, he can’t 不,他不会。
Special Interrogative Sentence
Special interrogative word + can + subject + base form of the verb + others
What can he do? 他会做什么?
Special Reminder: When answering general interrogative sentences that start with can, it is usually phrased as “Yes, subject + can.” or “No, subject + can’t.” Sometimes, to soften the tone, the speaker can use other words (like sorry) to provide a negative response.
Can he drive? 他会开车吗? Sorry, he can’t. 对不起,他不会。
3. Uses of the Modal Verb Can
1. The modal verb can indicates ability, meaning “can, be able to”
Can she speak English? 她会说英语吗?
Yes, she can, 是的,她会。
Indicates permission or request, often used in spoken language, meaning “may, can”
Can I use your computer? 我可以用一下你的电脑吗?
Of course, you can. 当然可以。
Indicates speculation, meaning “possibly”; often used in negative sentences and questions.
Is this book Gina’s? 这本书是吉娜的吗?
No, it can’t be hers. Jim’s name is on the book. It must be Jim’s.
不,这书不可能是她的。书上有吉姆的名字,一定是吉姆的
4. Expansion
(1) The past tense of can is could, indicating past ability.
For example: I could ride a bike two years ago. 我两年前就会骑自行车。
When asking for someone’s opinion or making a request, could and can can be used interchangeably, but could is often used to express a more polite tone. Affirmative responses are usually phrased as “Sure./ Of course./ Certainly/ Yes, sb.can.” instead of “sb.could”; negative responses use “Sorry.” or “No, you can’t.” and cannot use “You couldn’t.”
For example: Could I watch TV now, Mom? 妈妈,我现在可以看电视吗?
No, you can’t. You must do your homework first. 不,你不能。你必须先做家庭作业
Special Training:
1. Multiple Choice.
1. Can you play___piano? A. a B. an C. the
2. Can you dance? Yes, I_____. A. can B. can’t C. do
3. Can he write English? No, he___. A. can B. can’t C. do
4. I __ride a bike. But I___ride a car.
A. can, can B. can’t , can’t C. can, can’t
5. She can ___basketball. A. play B. plays C. playing
2. Fill in the blanks.
1. ____you swim? Yes, I can.
2. Can your father play the piano? No, he _____.
3. Can Lucy and Alice dance? Yes, ____can.
4. What club ____Tom join?
…………END…………
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