Modal Verbs – Present Modal
CAN 8

The Modal Verb CAN (Present)

🔧The Modal Verb CAN (Present)

🔧The modal verb CAN is very common in English. We use it to talk about ability, permission, and possibility.

👉Remember: CAN + base verb (no "to").

📝Example: I can play the guitar.

1️⃣CAN = Ability 🎯

💪We use can to show what someone is able to do (skills or talents).

🏊‍♂️I can swim very well.
🗣️She can speak three languages.
🏃‍♂️We can run fast.

2️⃣CAN = Permission ✅

✋We use can to give or ask for permission (informal).

📱You can use my phone. (permission given)
🚪Mom, can I go outside? (asking permission)
🚫You can't park here. (not allowed)

3️⃣CAN = Possibility 🤔

🌟We use can to talk about things that are possible in general.

🌡️It can be very hot in Brazil in the summer.
❗Anyone can make mistakes.
⚽Football can be dangerous sometimes.

4️⃣Common Mistakes ❌✅

❌She cans sing.
✅She can sing.
❌I can to swim.
✅I can swim.
❌He don't can drive.
✅He can't drive.

✨Quick Tip

📝After can, always use the base verb (go, eat, play, be).
🚫Don't add "-s" or "to"!

📋CAN - Summary Table

Use	Meaning	Example
Ability	Skills, talents, what you're able to do	I can swim very well.
Permission (informal)	Asking for or giving permission	Can I use your phone?
Possibility	Things that are possible in general	It can be very cold in winter.
Negative	Cannot / Can't - not able, not allowed	I can't drive a car.

🔧Formation Rules

📋Positive:

Subject + CAN + base verb

📋Negative:

Subject + CAN'T (cannot) + base verb

📋Question:

CAN + subject + base verb?

📝More Examples

💪Ability Examples:

🎸John can play the guitar beautifully.
🍳My mom can cook delicious food.
🚗I can't drive yet. I'm only 15.

✋Permission Examples:

🎬Can we watch a movie tonight?
🍕You can have pizza for dinner.
🚫Sorry, you can't smoke here.

🤔Possibility Examples:

🌧️The weather can change quickly in the mountains.
🎲Learning English can be fun and easy.
🚨Driving too fast can be dangerous.

💭Remember

🔧CAN is a modal verb
📝Always use base form after CAN
🚫Never add "-s" to CAN (not "cans")
⚡Don't use "to" after CAN
💡CAN = ability, permission, possibility
🔄Negative: CAN'T or CANNOT