Can: further information

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?

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."

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.