Modal verb can: Uses and grammar
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When and how is the modal verb can used?
The modal verbs in English are very important because they help us express what we want together with a main verb. Now then, what is the verb can in English? Very simple, the verb ‘can’ is a modal verb, and we can find it before a main verb which will always be in the infinitive form.
In Spanish the meaning of the verb can is ‘to be able to or to have the ability to’ and we could say that it is one of the most used verbs in the daily life of an English speaker. But what is the purpose of the verb can? It is used to talk about abilities, to ask for permission, to make a request, to talk about a possibility or to make an offer. This modal verb can be used with any subject, but always accompanied by a main verb. In the past, you will find it as could.
All these particularities about this and the other modal verbs in English can be found explained in the simplest way in ABA English video lessons, which will help you improve your knowledge of modal verbs and all other grammatical structures.
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Why is it essential to learn modal verbs
What are the modal verbs in English? As we told you, they are a type of auxiliary verbs that are always accompanied by another verb, that is, they will never be found independently. They express meanings related to ability, necessity, or possibility. Additionally, modal verbs are important to express requests or make polite offers. This allows you to avoid your request or offer feeling like an order or considered inappropriate depending on the context you are in.
To know all the characteristics of modal verbs, it will be necessary for you to learn how modal verbs are used and their meanings, with grammar as your best ally. Having a good grammar foundation will allow you to acquire all the knowledge necessary for good language management.
Conjugation of the verb can
When talking about the conjugation of modal verbs, many English students ask: Is can a regular or irregular verb? The answer is simple: being a modal verb, it does not have all verb tenses, so that’s one less worry. Now yes, here are some examples with can so you can see how it is used.
Modal verb can in interrogative
Can to ask for permission
- Can I go to the toilet? (‘¿Puedo ir al baño?’)
Modal verb can in negative
Cannot to express ability
- I cannot play the guitar. (‘No sé tocar la guitarra’).
Modal verb can in past
Could to express ability in the past.
- When I was younger, I could run faster. (Cuando era más joven podía correr más rápido).
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Exercises to practice the verb can
Turn the following affirmative sentences into their interrogative form:
- 1. Peter can go to the party. ____________________________?
- 2. We can see the mountain from our room. __________________________?
- 3. They can dance Samba. __________________________?
- 4. She can play the piano. __________________________?
- 5. We can speak English and Italian. ______________________?
Answers:
- Can Peter go to the party?
- Can we see the mountain from our room?
- Can they dance Samba?
- Can she play piano?
- Can we speak English and Italian?
Translations:
Peter can go to the party. Can Peter go to the party? We can see the mountain from our room. Can we see the mountain from our room? They can dance Samba. Can they dance Samba? She can play the piano. Can she play the piano? We can speak English and Italian. Can we speak English and Italian?.
Exercises with the verb can in past and interrogative
Fill in the blanks with can, can’t, could, couldn’t as appropriate:
- Charlie whispered something to Anne, but I ______ understand what he said.
- I _________ remember this song, It’s very long and difficult to remember!
- I am afraid I ______ go to your wedding. I have just missed the plane.
- When I was younger, I ______ speak four languages.
- I ______ run ten kilometers in one hour. I love running.
Answers: 1 couldn’t, 2 cannot, 3 cannot, 4 could, 5 can.
Translations: Charlie whispered a secret in Anne’s ear, but I could understand what he said. I cannot remember this song. It is very long and difficult to remember! I’m afraid I cannot go to your wedding. I just missed the plane. When I was younger, I could speak four languages. I can run ten kilometers in one hour. I love running.
Exercises to differentiate can and could
Complete the answers to the following questions using can, cannot, could or couldn’t plus the verbs in parentheses:
1. A. Why didn’t you pass the exam?, it was very easy!
B. I _______ ______ because I was sick.(study)
2. A. I need you to help me move away, Can I count on you?
B. Yes, I ______ _______ to you as I have got plenty of time. (help)
3. A. Did you finish your homework?
B. Yes, I did. There wasn’t any distraction and I ______ _______ everything. (finish)
4. A. Are you going to come today?
B. No, I am not. I _______ _____ as I must work. (come)
5. A. Did you use to swim?
B. Yes, I did. When I was a teenager, I ______ _____ very fast. (swim)
Answers: 1. couldn’t study, 2. can help, 3 could finish, 4. cannot come, 5. could swim.
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