The verb "can"

Use

Can is a verb that is very often used in the English language. We use it when we

express that someone is able to do something: He can speak Spanish.;
express that something is possible: The kids can stay at our place after school.;
ask for something: Can I have some water, please?;
ask for or give permission: Can I go to the party tonight? Yes, you can go.;
offer to do something: Can I help you?.

Statements with can

The verb can always requires the infinitive form of the following verb: She can swim. They can go. We can meet you there, okay? Rule: Noun/pronoun + can + infinitive + ….

Can has only one form. It does not change with he, she, it:

I can
You can
He, She, It can
We can
You can
They can

The "negative form" of can is can't or cannot: You cannot go to that party! She can't speak English. I can't call you because my phone is out of order.

Questions with can

Remember that we ask a Yes/No Question using the verb "to be": form of to be + noun/pronoun + …? Are you tired? The same rule applies for questions with the verb can: can + noun/pronoun + verb + …?

She can swim.

Can she swim? I can help you.

Can I help you? Anna can speak German.

Can Anna speak German?

Short answers with can

You can answer questions with Yes, I/you/he/she/it/we/they/… can. or No, I/you/he/she/it/we/they/… can't.:

Can you swim?

Yes, I can. Can I help you?

Yes, you can. Can Peter speak Spanish?

No, he can't.

Although can't is the short form of cannot, you usually don't use cannot in short answers without a verb following. With cannot, the answer would be longer: Can Peter speak Spanish?

No, he cannot speak Spanish.

Give brief answers to the questions using the verb can. Keep the pronoun. Example: Can she read?

Yes, she can. or No, she can't.

Repeat exercise ?

You've just finished the first part of this unit's grammar section.

Now continue with the articles