How to Use ‘Can’ in English – Easy Guide with Examples and test

 

📚 Learn How to Use “Can” in English – Simple Guide for Beginners

What is “Can” in English?

The word “Can” is a modal verb in English. We use it to show ability, possibility, permission, or request. It is one of the most common and useful words in daily conversation.

💡 Meaning of “Can”:

• Ability: To show what someone is able to do.
• Possibility: To show that something is possible.
• Permission: To ask or give permission.
• Request: To ask someone to do something politely.

👉 Basic Formula of “Can”:

Subject	Can	Verb (base form)	Object
I / You / We / They / He / She	Can	Verb (1st form)	Rest of the sentence

 1. Simple Affirmative Sentences with “Can”

👉 Formula:
Subject + Can + Verb (1st Form) + Object

✅ Examples:

• I can speak English.
• She can cook delicious food.
• We can learn together.

👉 Formal Sentences:

• You can submit the report by evening.
• He can attend the meeting if he wishes.

 2. Negative Sentences with “Can”

👉 Formula:
Subject + Cannot (Can’t) + Verb (1st Form) + Object

✅ Examples:

• I cannot (can’t) swim.
• He cannot come to the party.
• They cannot understand French.

👉 Formal Sentences:

• The company cannot approve your request at the moment.
• Visitors cannot enter without permission.

 3. Interrogative Sentences (Questions) with “Can”

👉 Formula:
Can + Subject + Verb (1st Form) + Object?

✅ Examples:

• Can you help me?
• Can she speak Spanish?
• Can they come tomorrow?

👉 Formal Sentences:

• Can you please submit the application?
• Can we schedule a meeting?

 4. Negative Interrogative Sentences

👉 Formula:
Can’t + Subject + Verb (1st Form) + Object?

✅ Examples:

• Can’t you stay longer?
• Can’t he finish the work today?

👉 Formal Sentences:

• Can’t we reconsider the decision?
• Can’t she join the discussion?

✨ Tricks to Remember the Use of “Can”:

1️⃣ Can = Ability: If you can do something, you are able to do it.
2️⃣ Can for Permission: Ask “Can I…?” when you want to ask for permission.
3️⃣ Can for Possibility: Use it to talk about things that are possible.
4️⃣ Practice Daily Sentences: Speak simple sentences like “I can walk,” “I can speak,” to build fluency.

🎯 Quick Practice Sentences:

Positive	Negative	Interrogative	Negative Interrogative
I can read books.	I can’t dance.	Can you speak English?	Can’t you come today?
She can help me.	She can’t drive.	Can we visit the park?	Can’t they stay longer?

🌟 Conclusion:

The modal verb “Can” is very helpful for speaking English fluently. By learning its simple rules, practicing daily sentences, and using it in real life, you can improve your English speaking skills fast.