Advanced English Grammar

Modal Verb Can

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 express ability or absence of ability.

   I can lift the chair = I am able to lift the chair. (I have the ability)
   I can't lift the table = I am unable to lift the table. (I don't have the ability)

Can is also used to express permission.

   Can I come in? she asked, as she knocked on the door.

The modal verb can is used to make suggestions too.

   What do you want to do tonight? I know, we can go to the movies.

Can is also used to make a logical conclusion. (usually negative)

   He can't be rich. Look at his shabby clothes.

It is used to ask 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.

1. The boy ____ run because his leg is broken.
2. She ____ go to the store after lunch. Let's eat.
3. ____ you get the door for me please? My hands are full.
4. They ____ be happily married because they are always fighting.
5. That boy ____ have written this essay. He doesn't have the skills.
6. We ____ go to the movies tomorrow night. Let's stay in tonight.
7. Mom, ___ I watch the football match on TV?
8. Can I go to Steve's tonight after dinner? No, you ____.
9. He's a smart boy. He ____ do multiplication tables and he's only 5.
10. You ____ be serious. There's no way we will finish by then!

For more information concerning the modal verb can click on the preceding link.

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