RBSE Solutions Class 5 English Vocabulary Modals : Can, Cannot

Exercise 1

Question. Choose the correct words given in brackets to complete the sentences:
Answer: This section provides practice for using 'can' and 'cannot' correctly to show ability or inability. Each sentence needs one of these words to complete its meaning based on the context.
In simple words: We learn to pick 'can' or 'cannot' for each sentence to show if someone is able to do something or not.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always read the full sentence carefully to understand its context before choosing 'can' or 'cannot'. Look for clues about ability, disability, permission, or prohibition.

Question 1. He is very weak. He ............ lift this table.
Answer: Since he is very weak, he **cannot** lift this table. His physical ability is limited by his weakness, making it impossible for him to perform the action.
In simple words: He is weak, so he cannot lift the table.

🎯 Exam Tip: When a sentence describes a condition (like being weak), look for a matching outcome (like inability to lift). 'Cannot' often indicates a lack of ability or power.

Question 2. Today is holiday. So my father ............ play with me.
Answer: As it is a holiday, my father **can** play with me. He has the opportunity and free time to do so, indicating his availability.
In simple words: It's a holiday, so dad can play.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Can' often shows that someone has the opportunity, ability, or permission to do something. Holidays usually mean more free time for activities.

Question 3. My grandfather is old. He ............ fun.
Answer: My grandfather is old, so he **cannot** run fast or participate in very energetic activities for fun. (The sentence implies his age limits his ability to engage in playful actions).
In simple words: Grandfather is old, so he cannot run or do very active things.

🎯 Exam Tip: When a question has a slight grammatical ambiguity, use your best judgment to provide the most logical answer based on the general context (e.g., 'old' implies inability for certain physical tasks).

Question 4. Consumption of tobacco ............ lead to cancer.
Answer: The consumption of tobacco **can** lead to cancer. It is a known risk factor, meaning it has the potential to cause the disease.
In simple words: Smoking tobacco can cause cancer.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Can' is often used to express possibility or a potential outcome, especially when discussing health risks or scientific facts.

Question 5. I am busy, so I ............ come with you.
Answer: Since I am busy, I **cannot** come with you. My current commitments prevent me from joining, showing a lack of availability.
In simple words: I am busy, so I cannot go with you.

🎯 Exam Tip: The reason 'busy' directly implies an inability to do something else, making 'cannot' the correct choice to express unavailability.

Question 6. He is very strong. He ............ lift this box.
Answer: Because he is very strong, he **can** easily lift this box. His strength gives him the ability to perform the action without difficulty.
In simple words: He is strong, so he can lift the box.

🎯 Exam Tip: The word 'strong' clearly indicates an ability, so 'can' is the natural fit here. Look for positive attributes that imply capability.

Question 7. Neha is very intelligent. She ............ solve this problem.
Answer: As Neha is very intelligent, she **can** solve this problem. Her intelligence gives her the mental ability to find a solution.
In simple words: Neha is smart, so she can solve the problem.

🎯 Exam Tip: Words like 'intelligent' or 'smart' usually suggest a capability, making 'can' the appropriate choice for solving tasks or problems.

Question 8. I feel pain in tay teeth. So I ............ drink cold water.
Answer: I feel pain in my teeth, so I **cannot** drink cold water. The discomfort prevents me from consuming it, indicating an inability due to pain.
In simple words: My teeth hurt, so I cannot drink cold water.

🎯 Exam Tip: Physical discomfort or pain often implies an inability or a restriction on certain actions. 'Cannot' expresses this limitation clearly.

Question 9. Rohan is a small boy but he ........ solve big problems.
Answer: Rohan is a small boy, so he **cannot** solve big problems yet. His age and experience limit his ability to handle complex issues.
In simple words: Rohan is small, so he cannot solve big problems.

🎯 Exam Tip: Age or size can imply limitations in ability or strength. 'But' signals a contrasting idea, often leading to 'cannot' when discussing limitations.

Question 10. He is a senior officer. He ............ take this decision..
Answer: Since he is a senior officer, he **can** take this decision. His position gives him the authority and ability to do so.
In simple words: He is a senior officer, so he can make the decision.

🎯 Exam Tip: Professional titles like 'senior officer' often indicate authority and the ability to perform certain duties or make important decisions.