Three different sentences. What's different about how they're spoken?
First one = command. Second = ability. Third = request.
🎙 Speak: What do these three sentences do? What is each one asking or telling?
In English, you need to:
These three things let you speak almost every day in real life.
Think about things you CAN do and things you CAN'T do. (You don't have to answer yet.)
🎙 Speak: Tell me two things you can do and one thing you can't do.
The imperative is the simplest form in English. It's just the base verb — nothing else. You're telling someone to DO something.
1. No subject: You don't say "You sit down." You just say "Sit down."
2. Base verb: Use the simple form: go, sit, open, help, not goes, sits, opens, helps.
3. It's direct: Sometimes it sounds harsh. Add "please" to be polite.
To say "DON'T DO THIS," use: Don't + base verb
"Close the window, please." What does this mean?
Someone wants you to shut the window. It's a polite command (because of "please").
"Don't be late tomorrow." What's the message?
Don't arrive after the expected time. Arrive on time.
🎙 Speak: Give me three commands — things you want me to do (or not do).
Tell me three things. Give me commands — things I should do.
Example: "Open your book. Listen carefully. Don't talk to anyone."
🎙 Speak: Give me three commands now. Use "please" to be polite.
Use "can" to say you have the ability to do something. Use "can't" to say you don't have the ability.
1. Form: can/can't + base verb (no -s, no -ed)
✓ I can speak ✗ I can speaks ✗ I can speaking
2. "Can" stays the same: I can, you can, he can, they can — NO CHANGE.
3. The negative: can't (or cannot)
I can't cook. She can't fly a plane.
I am a teacher. I speak English.
can — "I can speak English." (Teachers must speak English.)
A fish lives in water. It fly.
can't — "It can't fly." (Fish don't have wings.)
My daughter is 3 years old. She read books.
can't — "She can't read." (3-year-olds typically can't read yet.) Or maybe "can" if she's advanced!
🎙 Speak: Tell me five things you can do and five things you can't do.
Make five sentences about things you CAN do and five things you CAN'T do.
Example: "I can speak three languages. I can drive. I can't dance. I can't sing well. I can cook simple food."
🎙 Speak: Tell me — five things you can do, five things you can't. Be honest!
Use "Can you...?" to ask someone to do something politely. Use "Can I...?" to ask permission.
| Asking Someone to Help YOU | Asking PERMISSION |
|---|---|
| Can you open the door? You want them to open the door. |
Can I open the door? You want permission to open the door. |
| Can you help me? You need their help. |
Can I have water? You want permission to drink water. |
| Can you speak slowly? You want them to speak slowly. |
Can I use the bathroom? You want permission to go to the bathroom. |
Yes answers:
Q: "Can you help me?" A: "Yes, I can."
Q: "Can I have water?" A: "Yes, of course." or "Yes, you can."
No answers:
Q: "Can you help me?" A: "No, I can't. I'm busy."
Q: "Can I use your pen?" A: "No, sorry. I need it."
"Can you speak more slowly?" — Are you asking them to help, or asking permission?
Asking them to help YOU. You want them to speak slowly. This is a request for help.
"Can I sit here?" — Are you asking someone to help, or asking permission?
Asking permission. You're asking if it's OK for you to sit there.
🎙 Speak: Give me three polite requests using "Can you..." and three using "Can I..."
Make five sentences:
Example: "Can you help me? Can you explain this? Can I use your pen? Can I have water?"
🎙 Speak: Tell me your five requests now.
Now you use all three: give a command, say what you can do, and make a polite request.
Sentence 1: "Listen carefully, please."
What type is this?
Command (Imperative). It tells someone to do something — listen.
Sentence 2: "I can help you with your homework."
What type is this?
Ability (Can). It says what you have the ability to do.
Sentence 3: "Can you close the window?"
What type is this?
Request (Polite). It asks someone to do something for you politely.
🎙 Speak: Give me one of each — one command, one "can" sentence about ability, one polite request.
Pick one card. Use imperatives, can/can't, and requests naturally.
🎙 Speak: Pick one situation. Talk for two minutes. Use commands, can/can't, and requests.
Write a short dialogue or scene. Include at least one command, one "can/can't" sentence, and one polite request.
Now read your dialogue out loud. Use different voices for each person. Then pick one sentence and explain: Is this a command, can/can't, or a request?
🎙 Speak: Read your dialogue. Then explain one sentence.
...give instructions using imperatives, say what I can and can't do, and make polite requests using "can" — and use all three naturally in conversation.
1. What's the formula for an imperative?
Base verb only. No subject. Examples: "Sit down," "Open the door," "Help me." Add "please" to be polite.
2. What's the formula for can/can't?
can/can't + base verb. "I can speak," "She can't drive," "Can you help?" (Can doesn't change for any person.)
3. What's the difference between "Can you help me?" and "Can I help you?"
"Can you..." = asking THEM to do something for YOU. "Can I..." = asking PERMISSION to do something. Different purposes.
Tell me three sentences:
🎙 Speak: Tell me your three sentences now. Make them natural.
🎙 Speak: Which part was easiest for you — imperatives, can/can't, or requests? Why?