The modal verb can is used in a variety of ways. Below are brief explanations
of usage along with an exercise for you to check your understanding.
Generally, we should know that can is used to
expressability orabsence of ability.
Ican lift the chair = I am able to
lift the chair. (Ihave the ability) Ican't lift the table = I am unable
to lift the table. (Idon't have the ability)
Can is also used to expresspermission.
Can I come in? she asked, as she
knocked on the door.
The modal verb can is used to makesuggestions too.
What do you want to do tonight? I know,
wecan go to the movies.
Can is also used to make alogical
conclusion. (usually negative)
Hecan't be rich. Look at his shabby
clothes.
It is used toask for
help as well.
Can you help me move the bookcase
please?
Now, unlike other languages that use the third person when speaking to an individual
to show politeness or respect, in English we don't use that form.
Often times, we use modal verbs and the tone of our voice to show respect to unknown
people or to people older than we are.
The Modal Verb Can
Can has only the simple present or the simple past tense (could) of the verb. All
other tense forms are made with "to be able
to" as shown below.
Infinitive
to be able to
Present
can / is able to
Past
could / was able to
Future
will be able to / can
Present Perfect
have been able to
Past Perfect
had been able to
Future Perfect
will have been able to
Present Conditional
would be able to
Past Conditional
would have been able to
Modal Verb Can Exercise
Fill in the blanks with can or can't and then check your answers
below.
For more information concerning themodal verb
can click on the preceding link.