 Let's have a look at how we might approach teaching the modal auxiliary verb can. Initially, we introduced the word can in the context of ability. Going back to our earlier examples, I can ride a bike, you can swim, you can speak English. And then, as we progress through the levels, we introduce further usages of the same word. Typically, for elementary level students, possibility would be the next usage that is introduced. For example, you can see a movie in a cinema, as it's possible to do it, it's not about ability. Then, as you progress, further usages will be introduced, such as permission and request. An example of permission might be, can I smoke in here? And a request, can you help me with that? The distinction between the permission and request usages is quite a grey area, but nevertheless, the two are slightly different. The final usage that will be introduced might be advice. You can go to see a doctor about that, is a very weak form of advice, suggesting that somebody does go to have something looked at, but it's completely their choice.