Can

Can

"Can" is one of the most commonly used modal verbs in English. It can be used to express ability or opportunity, to request or offer permission, and to show possibility or impossibility.

Examples:

I can ride a horse. ability
We can stay with my brother when we are in Paris. opportunity
She cannot stay out after 10 PM. permission
Can you hand me the stapler? request
Any child can grow up to be president. possibility

Using "Can" in Present, Past, and Future

Most modal verbs behave quite irregularly in the past and the future. Study the chart below to learn how "can" behaves in different contexts.


Modal Use: can general ability

Positive Forms

(present) 1. I can speak Chinese.

(past) 2. SHIFT TO "COULD" I could speak Chinese when I was a kid.


(future) 3. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO" I will be able to speak Chinese by the time I
finish my course.

Negative Forms

(present) 1. I can't speak Swahili.

(past) 2. SHIFT TO "COULD" I couldn't speak Swahili.

(future) 3. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO" I won't be able to speak Swahili.


You can also use: be able to


can ability during a specific event

Positive Forms

(present) 1. With a burst of adrenaline, people can pick up cars.

(past) 2. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO" With a sudden burst of adrenaline, he was able
to lift the car off the child's leg.


(future) 3. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO" With a sudden burst of adrenaline, he will be able to lift the car.


Negative Forms

(present) 1. Even with a burst of adrenaline, people can't pick up something that heavy.

(past) 2. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO" Even the weight lifter, couldn't lift the car off the
child's leg.

(future) 3. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO" Even three men working together won't be able to lift
the car.

You can also use: be able to


can opportunity


Positive Forms

(present) 1. I have some free time. I can help her now.

(past) 2. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO" I had some free time yesterday. I was able to
help her at that time.


(future) 3. I'll have some free time tomorrow. I can help her then.


Negative Forms

(present) 1. I don't have any time. I can't help her now.

(past) 2. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO" I didn't have time yesterday. I wasn't able to help
her at that time.

(future) 3. I won't have any time later. I can't help her then.


You can also use: be able to



can permission


Positive Forms

(present) 1. I can drive Susan's car when she is out of town.

(past) 2. SHIFT TO "BE ALLOWED TO " I was allowed to drive Susan's car while
she was out of town last week.


(future) 3. I can drive Susan's car while she is out of town next week.


Negative Forms

(present) 1. I can't drive Susan's car when she is out of town.

(past) 2. SHIFT TO "BE ALLOWED TO " I wasn't allowed to drive Susan's car while
she was out of town last week.

(future) 3. I can't drive Susan's car while she is out of town next week.

You can also use: may


can request

Positive Forms

(present) Can I have a glass of water?

(past) Can you give me a lift to school?


(future) Requests usually refer to the near future.


Negative Forms

(present) Can't I have a glass of water?

(past) Can't you give me a lift to school?

(future) Requests usually refer to the near future.

You can also use: could, may


can possibility, impossibility


Positive Forms

(present) Anyone can become rich and famous if they know the right people.

(past) Learning a language can be a real challenge.


(future) This use is usually a generalization or a supposition.


Negative Forms

(present) It can't cost more than a dollar or two.

(past) You can't be 45! I thought you were about 18 years old.

(future) This use is usually a generalization or a supposition.

You can also use: could

from: English Page