Can - Modal Verb
Use of Can In English – “Can” is a modal verb in English that is used to express various meanings related to ability, permission, requests, and possibilities. Here are the primary ways “can” is used in English:
1. Ability: “Can” is used to talk about someone’s ability to do something.
– She can speak English fluently.
– I can swim very well.
– He can solve anything.
2. Permission: “Can” is used to ask for permission or to grant permission.
– Can I borrow your car for a few hours?
– You can use my laptop if you need it.
– Can we go out for dinner tonight?
3. Requests: “Can” is used to make requests or ask someone to do something.
– Can you pass me the salt, please?
– Can you help me with this assignment?
– Can you please turn off the lights?
4. Possibility: “Can” is used to talk about what is possible or likely.
It can rain later today.
This plan can work if we all cooperate.
Can you imagine living in a different country?
5. Expressions of surprise: “Can” can be used to express surprise or disbelief.
– I can’t believe you did that!
– You can’t be serious!
– She can’t have finished already!
6. Prohibition: “Can” can be used to express that something is not allowed.
– You can’t smoke in this area.
– You can’t park here.
– Students can’t use calculators during the exam.
Sentence structures using "can"
Use of Can In English
1. Subject + can + base form of verb:
– She can sing beautifully.
– They can dance well.
– He can cook delicious meals.
2. Can + subject + base form of verb (questions):
– Can you swim?
– Can they speak French?
– Can she play the piano?
3. Subject + can + adverb/adverbial phrase:
– I can easily solve this problem.
– He can quickly finish his homework.
– They can calmly handle the situation.
4. Can + subject + verb + object (questions):
– Can you help me with my project?
– Can he pass the ball to me?
– Can she buy some groceries for dinner?
5. Subject + can’t (cannot) + base form of verb:
– I can’t swim.
– They can’t come to the party.
– She can’t understand the math problem.
6. Can + subject + negative base form of verb (questions with negative):
– Can’t you speak louder?
– Can’t they wait a few more minutes?
– Can’t she come with us?
7. Can + subject + be + adjective/noun (expressing possibility):
– You can be sure of his honesty.
– He can be a bit stubborn at times.
– It can be difficult to learn a new language.
8. Subject + can + be + adjective/noun (expressing possibility):
– The weather can be unpredictable.
– Dogs can be loyal companions.
– Learning new skills can be challenging.
9. Can + subject + have + past participle (expressing ability in past situations):
– Can you have finished all the work by now?
– She can have forgotten our meeting time.
– He can have left his keys at home.
These examples cover different sentence structures using “can” in English to express ability, permission, requests, possibilities, and past situations.
How to use "can" - examples
Use of Can In English
1. I can swim.
2. Can you speak English?
3. She can play the piano.
4. We can go shopping tomorrow.
5. Can they come to the party?
6. He can lift heavy weights.
7. Can I borrow your pen?
8. They can cook delicious meals.
9. She can run very fast.
10. Can you help me with my homework?
11. I can’t believe it!
12. Can we take a break?
13. He can drive a car.
14. Can she sing well?
15. They can’t stay long.
16. I can’t find my keys.
17. Can you pass me the salt?
18. She can dance beautifully.
19. We can meet at the café.
20. Can they fix the computer?
21. I can’t wait to see you.
22. Can you give me a ride?
23. He can solve math problems quickly.
24. She can’t make it to the meeting.
25. Can I have a glass of water?
26. They can speak multiple languages.
27. I can play soccer with you.
28. Can you lend me some money?
29. She can bake delicious cakes.
30. We can watch a movie tonight.
31. Can they come over for dinner?
32. He can’t attend the event.
33. Can you explain that again?
34. She can draw amazing pictures.
35. I can’t stay for long.
36. Can we visit the museum?
37. They can ride bicycles.
38. I can hear you perfectly.
39. Can you send me the document?
40. She can’t make decisions easily.
These examples cover a range of situations where “can” is used to express ability, permission, requests, and more.
It’s important to note that “can” is used primarily in present tense situations. In past tense situations, “could” is often used to convey similar meanings, and in future tense, “will be able to” or “could” can be used depending on the context.
