Paraphrase the following sentences using the modal verb can in the meaning of astonishment, uncertainty or doubt

1) Is it possible that she is still running a high temperature? – Can/could she be still running a high temperature?

2) Is it possible that she is still worrying over such a trifle?

3) Do you believe that they live under bad conditions?

4) Do you believe that the patient has recovered?

5) It’s hardly possible that she is in now.

6) It’s impossible that the child is shivering with cold. He’s warmly wrapped up.

9. Read the dialogue, single out the patterns with the modal verb can. Comment on emotional colouring of the meanings. Reproduce this dialogue by heart: Think of your own examples.

- Marjory is still in hospital.

- Good heavens! Can it be true! How awful! (Can is used to express astonishment.)

- But they say that tomorrow she will be back home from hospital at last! After fourteen months!

- Good gracious! Could she have been actually lying in bed for a year? Poor thing! It’s simply incredible!

- Laura is out again! She has gone to the club.

- Fancy that now. Can she be enjoying herself when her mother is ill? She could have stayed at home if she were a serious girl.

- Do you remember we are going to the concert? If you don’t make haste, we shall be late. We have only half an hour left before the beginning of the concert.

- Why? It can’t be half past six now! Your watch is at least ten minutes fast.

- And where can I have put my eye-glasses?

- Oh, here they are. Don’t make such a fuss. Let’s go!

10. Fill in the following spaces with either can/could or to be able to.

1) We will be able to hear. Mr. Browns lecture on British art next Tuesday.

2) I knew this town so I … (to advise) him where to go.

3) He … (to speak) French very well when he was at school.

4) I … (to get) his new book last week.

5) … you (to translate) the text last Friday? ~ No, I … (negative). ~ I … (to translate) it next week.

6) When the garage had repaired our car we … (to continue) our journey.

7) At five years old he … (to read) quite well.