Table of Contents

Can

Introduction

Image Birds can fly.


Definition

Can is a modal auxiliary verb which has different uses. 



Construction

Affirmative:    subject + 'can' + bare infinitive

                        I can swim.

 

 

Negative:        subject + 'can' + 'not' + bare infinitive  

                        I cannot swim.   I can't swim.

 

 

Interrogative:  'can'+ subject + bare infinitive

                          Can you swim?

 

 

Note that like other modal auxiliaries, can has no infinitive and we use the same form with 'I', 'you', 'he', 'she', 'it', 'we' and 'they'. 

'Do' is not used for negative or interrogative sentences. 


Cannot 

In the negative, we use cannot in formal written English. It is rare in conversation unless we use it for insistence.  For example: These instructions are too complicated. I cannot understand them.


 

Uses

Use

Examples

 

Ability

 

 

She can speak four languages. 

She is ill 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 before you do your homework.

 

 

Requests

 

 

Can I have the tomato soup and a 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 take you to the station?

 

 

 

Examples


Image 

He can drive!

 

Image 

Yes, I can have lunch with you - I'm free.

Image

Please can I go to the party?     

No, you cannot. You're too young! 

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Can you take a message?

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Can I get you something to drink?