1 Look back at the dialogue in Lesson 2. Then read the sentences and circle the best options.
1 She had to/didn’t have to use her brother’s computer.
2 She has to/doesn’t have to give it to the teacher today.
3 She could/ couldn’t write when she was five.
4 In the past, children could/ couldn’t use computers to do their homework.
|
Grammar – could/couldn’t, had to/didn’t have to
|
Could / Couldn’t
- Use: To talk about what someone was able or not able to do in the past.
- Form:
- Affirmative: could + base verb → I could write when I was five.
- Negative: couldn’t + base verb → She couldn’t use a computer at that time.
- Example in context:
- “In the past, children couldn’t use computers to do their homework.”
- This means children were not able to use computers before.
- Tip for students:
Could is always followed by the base form of the verb (write, read, use, etc.)
Had to / Didn’t Have to
- Use: To talk about obligations or things that were necessary in the past.
- Form:
- Affirmative: had to + base verb → I had to write all my homework with a pen.
- Negative: didn’t have to + base verb → She didn’t have to use a computer yesterday.
- Example in context:
- “Alia had to use her brother’s computer because her laptop didn’t work.”
- “She didn’t have to go to school today because it was a holiday.”
- Key points:
- Had to shows a requirement or obligation.
- Didn’t have to shows there was no obligation.
- Use base verbs after both forms.
Present Simple vs Past Simple
- Present Simple (can/can’t, has to/doesn’t have to): Used for routines and rules today.
- I can upload the homework.
- He doesn’t have to go to school on Saturday.
- Past Simple (could/couldn’t, had to/didn’t have to): Used for past abilities or obligations.
- I couldn’t use my tablet yesterday.
- She had to finish her homework before dinner.
2 Read the grammar table. Then read and answer the questions.
3 Read the dialogue in Lesson 2 again. Underline examples of could and couldn’t, had to and didn’t have to.
5. Listen and match.
1 What password did Nasser’s grandad use? Nasser’s name
2 Why did Nasser give his dad his headphones? Because everyone could hear him listening to his book.
3 What did Nasser’s grandma want to do? She wanted to send an email to his aunt.
4 How did Nasser help his mum? He helped her make the text bigger.
5 How did Nasser’s mum thank him? She read him a story.
