English Grammar for proficiency: Modal verbs 'can'.
'Can' is used to talk about a skill, competency, or possibility that a person needs to be able to do something.
| Structure |
| Affirmative (subject + can + V1) |
| • I can run fast |
| Negative (subject + can + not + V1) |
| • I can’t run fast. • I cannot run fast. |
| Question (can + subject + V1) |
| • Can you run fast? |
| ☞ The negative form of can is used as ‘can’t, cannot’, it is not written separately as ' ✓ I can’t swim very well. ✓ I cannot swim very well. ✗ |
Usage
Ability
It is used to indicate an innate skill or an acquired ability.
• I can play the piano.
• He can’t run very fast.
• Can you speak French fluently?
Right
It is used to indicate that someone has the right, opportunity or power to do something.
• All citizens over the age of 18 can vote.
• A police officer can carry a gun.
• I can’t come to the party on Friday.
Request
It is used to ask someone to do something.
• Can you open the door?
• Can I have a cup of coffee, please?
• Can you look after my cat when I am away?
Permission
It is used to ask for, give or refuse permission.
• Can I use your phone?
• You can’t park here.
• You can take my car if you want.
Offer/Suggestion
It is used to offer help or make a suggestion.
• Can I help you lift the box?
• We can eat out tonight, if you like.
Impossibility
It is used to indicate that something is not right, often with suspicion or confusion.
• That can’t be true.
• You can’t be serious!
• He can’t have arrived yet.
Probability
It is used to talk about probabilities that are generally considered to be true.
• It can be very hot here in summer.
• Learning a new language can be difficult.
Example Sentences with 'Can'
• Can you pass the salt, please?
• Can you help me with this project?
• He can speak three languages fluently.
• He can’t have finished the work.
• I can’t attend the meeting today.
• I can’t decide what to do now.
• I can’t understand what you mean.
• Can I do anything for you?
• Students can enter the museum for free.
• Is there anything I can do for you?
• Deserts can be quite cold at night.
• He can be very rude sometimes.
• You can pass the exam if you work hard.
• “Can I sit here?” “No, you can’t.”
• “Can I borrow your book?” “Yes, you can.”