13 January 2012 / by Radmila Gurkova

Can...Auxiliary Verb subject + can + main verb

Can is an auxiliary verb, a modal verb:

talk about possibility and ability

make requests

asking for or giving permission

Can is invariable. CAN does not change. Remember that:

The main verb is always the bare infinitive.

Bare infinitive NEVER use CAN with TO

Correct - I can play the guitar

NOT - I can to play the guitar

Use of Can

can: Possibility and Ability

We use can to talk about what is possible, what we are able or free to do:

She can speak french

Peter can play the guitar

We can use CAN in the future

Sorry I cannot meet you today. But tomorrow I can come to the office

We use can for requests and orders (informal). We can use this to ask someone to do something.

Can you make a cup of tea, please.

Can you be quiet, please.

When we ask or give permission Can is informal

Can I go to the toilet?

You can go now.

Structure of Can

subject + can + main verb

I can swim

Can you swim?

I cannot swim or I can't swim

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13 January 2012 / by Radmila Gurkova

Can...Auxiliary Verb subject + can + main verb

Can is an auxiliary verb, a modal verb:

Use of Can

can: Possibility and Ability

We use can for requests and orders (informal). We can use this to ask someone to do something.

When we ask or give permission Can is informal

Structure of Can

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