Can/could

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vmbo t
• Leerjaar 2

Can/Could/To be able to/To be allowed to 

Today's aim 

At the end of this lesson I know the difference between can/could/to be able to and to be allowed to.

Wat is het nou ?

Om aan te geven dat iets mag of kan, kun je gebruiken:

 can / could / to be able to & to be allowed to. 

Daarna komt het hele werkwoord.

can/can't/cannot

Betekent: kunnen/mogen

Je kunt can/can't (cannot) alleen gebruiken in de present simple (= t.t.). 

Bijv.  Can you open this jar?

Could/couldn't 

Betekent: zou kunnen, verleden tijd van can, beleefd vragen om hulp/toestemming

Je kunt het alleen gebruiken in de present simple (t.t.) & past simple (v.t.)

Bijv.: 

It could be a problem 

I couldn't finish it yesterday. 

To be able to

Betekent: kunnen/in staat zijn 

Je kunt to be able to gebruiken in alle tijden. To be able to gebruik je dan ook vooral als je can / could niet kunt gebruiken.

Bijv.: 

I can't walk the dog today (present simple). 

I will not be able to walk the dog tomorrow. (future)

To be allowed to 

Betekent: mogen/toestemming hebben

Je kunt to be allowed to gebruiken in alle tijden. 

To be allowed to gebruik je dan ook vooral als je can / could niet kunt gebruiken.

Bijv.: 

You can't open the window (present simple). 

You won't be allowed to open the window. (future) 

8 years ago, I __________ play the piano.

1. may
2. could
3. can
4. has to

Ella __________ speak French and German.

1. can
2. could
3. may
4. has to

I wanted to talk to Jim yesterday, but I __________ find him.

1. didn't
2. might not
3. wouldn't
4. couldn't

I'm sure that Nina __________ explain everything when she returns.

1. cannot
2. could
3. will be able to
4. have to

Tom's teacher says that he __________ play the violin pretty well in half a year.

1. can
2. could
3. will be able to
4. will have to

I __________ meet him at the airport tomorrow.

1. can
2. could
3. should
4. would

My dog __________ very high when he was younger.

1. could jump
2. could have jumped
3. have to jump
4. can jump

Anyone __________ make a mistake.

1. is able to
2. could
3. may
4. can

Betty, __________ help me with this grammar exercise, please?

1. can you
2. can't you
3. won't you
4. do you mind

__________ you open the window, please? It's hot in here.

1. Couldn't
2. Won't
3. Could
4. Wouldn't

I wanted to go with you. But I __________ go out. My dad said no.

1. may
2. may not
3. was allowed to
4. wasn't allowed to

Sarah is on a diet. She __________ eat milk products.

1. could
2. couldn't
3. is allowed to
4. isn't allowed to