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Master English Grammar

Basic Modal Verbs: Can for Ability

Learn how to use can to talk about abilities and things you are able to do.

What Is 'Can'?

The modal verb can is used to express ability, possibility, or permission. In this lesson, we focus on using can to talk about abilities—things you know how to do.

  • Examples: – I can swim.
  • Examples: – She can speak Spanish.

Key Components of Using 'Can':

  • Use 'can' with the base form of the verb After can, always use the base form of the verb (no 's', 'ing', or 'ed'). Example: I can run fast.
  • Subject + 'can' + base verb The basic sentence structure. Example: She can sing well.

Examples in Sentences:

  • Singular: He can play the guitar.
  • Plural: They can solve the problem.
  • General: I can cook Italian food.

When to Use 'Can' for Ability:

Use can to describe things you are able to do or skills you have.

  • Physical abilities: I can run 5 miles.
  • Mental abilities: She can solve difficult math problems.
  • Language skills: They can speak three languages.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Using 'to' after 'can': ❌ I can to swim. ✔️ I can swim.
  • Using the wrong verb form after 'can': ❌ She can sings well. ✔️ She can sing well.

Rules for Using 'Can' to Talk About Ability

  • Use can followed by the base form of the verb to describe abilities.

    • I can swim.
    • He can drive a car.

  • Use can with all subjects (I, you, he, she, it, we, they).

    • She can dance.
    • They can speak French.

  • Special Cases & Exceptions:

    When using can in negative sentences, add not after can.

ExampleDescription
I can swim.Describing a physical ability.
She can speak Spanish.Describing a language skill.
They can solve math problems.Describing a mental ability.
We can cook delicious meals.Describing a skill.

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with the creators of these videos. These are publicly available resources used to provide additional information on the topic.