Lesson 10 · Stage 1: The basics
Ability with “can / could”
BeginnerForm & use
can/could + verb — what someone is able to do, or could do in the past
1.Form
Can + base form (no to). Can is a modal verb: it is the same for every subject, never takes -s, and doesn't use do in questions.
| Examples | |
|---|---|
| Affirmative | I / you / he / she / we / they can swim. |
| Negative | can't (= cannot, one word) swim |
| Question | Can you swim? · What can you see? |
| Short answer | Yes, I can. / No, I can't. |
Hearing can vs can't: in a positive sentence can is weak /kən/ and the verb after it is stressed (I can SWIM). Can't is always stressed: /kɑːnt/ (UK) or /kænt/ (US) — I CAN'T swim.
2.When to use it
1. Ability and skills — knowing how to do something
My grandma can speak French.
I can't ride a motorbike.
2. Possibility in a situation — when circumstances allow it
You can see the whole city from the rooftop.
We can't go out — it's pouring.
3. Asking for, giving and refusing permission
Can I sit here?
You can't park in front of the gate.
4. Asking someone to do something (informal)
Can you pass me the salt?
3.can see, can hear…
With the senses see, hear, smell, taste, feel and with remember, understand, English often uses can instead of the continuous.
I can hear music next door.
not: I'm hearing
Can you smell something burning?
4.Past: could / couldn't
Could = general ability in the past (being able to do something over a period of time). Couldn't = not being able to do something.
She could read when she was four.
I couldn't sleep last night. It was too hot.
To say you succeeded in doing one particular thing on one occasion, use was / were able to or managed to, not positive could:
The exam was hard, but I managed to finish it.
not: I could finish it
The fire spread quickly, but everyone was able to get out.
In the negative, couldn't works for both cases: I tried, but I couldn't open the jar.
5.Can has no future or perfect form
Can has only two forms: can and could. There is no “will can”, “to can” or “have could”. When you need one, use be able to — see the next lesson.
One day I'll be able to speak English fluently.
I'd love to be able to cook.
6.Common mistakes
He cans play the guitar.He can play the guitar.
can never takes -s.
I can to swim.I can swim.
No to after can.
Do you can help me?Can you help me?
Don't use do with can.
I will can come tomorrow.I'll be able to come tomorrow.
The future uses will be able to.
She can sings well.She can sing well.
Base form after can.
Examples
- My little sister is five, but she can swim very well.
- Sorry, I can't hear you. The music is too loud.
- Can you speak Japanese?
- A: Can your dad cook? B: Yes, he can. He makes great fish soup.
