Grammar Exercise: Different Uses of 'Can'

Pre-Intermediate

"Can" can be used to talk about many things in English. In this exercise, decide if "can" is being used to talk about permission, ability or to make a request.

1. I can't sleep with all that noise!
    permission
    ability
    request

2. Can you come and look at my TV, Marcus? It's broken and my favorite show starts at 9pm.
    permission
    ability
    request

3. I don't know if they can go into the park at this time. I think it closes at seven thirty.
    permission
    ability
    request

4. Can I have another week to finish the project? It's very complex.
    permission
    ability
    request

5. My new company is very happy that I can speak Spanish because they have an office in Madrid.
    permission
    ability
    request

6. Hello, Sir? Can you just hold the line for two minutes?
    permission
    ability
    request

7. I can stay in the building until ten o'clock, but I can't stay after that.
    permission
    ability
    request

8. Jenny told me she can ride a horse, but she can't ride a bike. How strange!
    permission
    ability
    request

Grammar Exercise: Different Uses of 'Can'

Pre-Intermediate

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