Guide to English Can105

Introduction

Can is a modal verb in English that expresses:
Ability
Permission
Possibility

This article provides a comprehensive guide to using can in all three of these contexts.

Ability

Can is used to express ability in the present tense. It is followed by a bare infinitive (without to).

Examples:
I can speak English fluently.
She can play the piano beautifully.
They can run faster than me.

Can can also be used to express general ability. In this case, it is often used with the phrase "be able to".

Examples:
I am able to speak five languages.
She is able to solve complex math problems.
They are able to work under pressure.

Permission

Can is used to ask for or give permission.

Asking for permission:

When asking for permission, can is followed by a bare infinitive.

Examples:
Can I borrow your pen?
Can we use your bathroom?
Can I take a picture of you?

Giving permission:

When giving permission, can is followed by a full infinitive (with to).

Examples:
Yes, you can borrow my pen.
Yes, you can use our bathroom.
Yes, you can take a picture of me.

Possibility

Can is used to express possibility in the present tense. It is often used with the phrases "could" or "may".

Examples:
It can rain tomorrow.
She could be at home.
They may be coming later.

Can can also be used to express a strong degree of possibility, similar to "will".

Examples:
I can do it. (I am confident that I will be able to do it.)
She can make it. (She is likely to make it.)
They can win. (They are likely to win.)

Negative and Interrogative Forms

The negative form of can is cannot (can't). The interrogative form of can is can.

Examples:
I can't speak French.
Can you play the guitar?
Can they come over later?

Summary

Can is a versatile modal verb that can be used to express ability, permission, and possibility. It is important to understand the different ways that can can be used in order to communicate effectively in English.

Additional Resources

2025-01-18

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