Birds can fly. Birds can fly.
=====Uses=====
| Use | Examples |
|
Ability
|
She can speak four languages.
Her arm is broken so she can't play tennis at the moment.
Can you swim?
|
|
Possibility
|
Sorry, I can't meet you today - I'm too busy. But I can see you tomorrow.
Can you work on Saturday? - Rachel's on holiday.
|
|
Permission |
'Can I leave early today?' 'Yes, you can, no problem.'
You can't watch TV until you have done your homework.
|
|
Requests
|
Can I have the tomato soup followed by the steak?
Can you help me with this?
Can you tell me how to get to the station?
|
|
Offers |
Hello, can I help you?
Can we give you a lift to the station?
|
|
Deduction - can't. We may be certain or just believe that something is true.
|
You can't be cold - it's 30˚ and you're wearing a coat.
It can't be easy with four young children and a full-time job - how do you manage?
|
=====The present continuous=====
Can can also be followed by the present continuous when making deductions or requests. For example:
They can't be having lunch now; it's half past two.
Gilbert can't be taking the train to the airport tomorrow - there's a strike. He must be driving. [present continuous for future plans]
Can you be preparing the vegetables while I'm making the dessert? [informal]
=====Examples=====
Can you be working on this while I go back to the office and look at the sales figures?
It can't be perfume - it's too light. And it can't be something to wear because it's too small.
Mathieu can't be calling me - he's on holiday.
=====Some common expressions=====
| Expression | Meaning | Examples |
|
'can't help' + gerund/'it' |
Used to talk about something we can't prevent or stop ourselves doing.
|
I know it's a bad habit but I can't help laughing when I'm nervous.
"You eat too much chocolate." "I know - I just can't help it!"
|
|
It can't be helped. |
Used to accept that something can't be avoided or prevented - it is outside our control. |
"Sorry, I'm not going to get to the meeting - I'm stuck in traffic." "Don't worry - it can't be helped. I'll update you tomorrow."
|
|
subject + 'can't believe' + object |
To express great surprise. |
"I passed my exam!" "I can't believe it - you didn't work very hard!"
I can't believe what I heard this morning - Jenny has been promoted.
|
|
subject + 'can't be bothered' (+ infinitive or gerund) |
Used to express a lack of motivation - informal. |
I should call Tom this afternoon but I can't be bothered.
We need some more sugar but I can't be bothered to go/ going out for some so I'm drinking my coffee without it today.
|
|
No can do. |
A way to say that we cannot do something we have been asked to - it isn't possible. [informal]
|
"Can we meet again next Friday?" "Sorry, no can do. How about Monday?" |
|
subject + 'can't stand/bear' + gerund/object
|
Used to express a strong dislike. An alternative to 'hate'. [informal]
|
I can't stand people who are late for meetings.
I can't bear waiting for exam results.
|
|
Can't complain. |
A response to questions like "How are you?" that means everything is ok - not great, but not bad either.
|
"Hi, how are things with you?" "Oh, not bad, can't complain."
|
|
subject + 'can always' + bare infinitive
Note that 'always' does not have its usual meaning in this expression.
|
To make an offer - often an easy option or a contingency plan.
|
"I'm coming to London in August but the hotels are so expensive. Maybe I'll try a hostel." "Well, don't worry. You can always stay at my place if you want - it's not in the centre but there's a good train service."
"My son's just started a new job. He's enjoying it but there's a lot to learn." "Tell him he can always call me if he needs some advice."
|
====='To be able to'=====
This is used in different ways:
Use Examples As an alternative to can for ability or possibility in the present tense. I'm usually able to take 3 weeks holiday in August. We're able to see the coast of France on a clear day. When could cannot be used in the past tense. [See note 3. below] I was finally able to have a meeting with them last week. When can is not possible - as an infinitive or gerund, when we talk about the future and with modal auxiliary verbs, 'used to' and perfect tenses. It's important to be able to swim. I must be able to speak fluent English before I go to London. I can't finish the report today but I'll be able to do it tomorrow. I've been able to swim since I was three. I've been trying to call her but I haven't been able to get through. Have you always been able to speak Spanish? I've never been able to sing. Until I lived in London, I'd never been able to understand English slang. When I started this job, I'd been able to drive lorries for five years. Being able to communicate effectively is essential in this job. I used to be able to ride a bike but I can't now.
1. In the present simple and whenever there is a choice, can is usually preferred.
2. We avoid 'to be able to' when something is happening at the moment:
"Look at me - I can dance like Shakira!"
and with passives:
Meetings can only be held on Fridays.
3. There is a difference between using could and 'was able to' - see could for an explanation.
There is a verb 'to can', which has a completely different meaning to the modal auxiliary verb. The definition is:
To put food or drink into a metal container in order to preserve it. For example:
It is safe to can vegetables without adding salt.
Canning fruit might affect its colour.