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Modal Verbs

The modal verb "can" is one of the most used modal verbs in English and expresses ability, possibility, permission, requests, and offers. It has positive, negative, and question forms and is used with the first form of the verb. "Can" expresses present ability, general possibility, informal requests and permission, and informal offers of help. The contraction for "can not" is "can't", which is used in negative statements to express disbelief or something being forbidden.

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Jakori Chaupín Mariño de Zevallos
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172 views2 pages

Modal Verbs

The modal verb "can" is one of the most used modal verbs in English and expresses ability, possibility, permission, requests, and offers. It has positive, negative, and question forms and is used with the first form of the verb. "Can" expresses present ability, general possibility, informal requests and permission, and informal offers of help. The contraction for "can not" is "can't", which is used in negative statements to express disbelief or something being forbidden.

Uploaded by

Jakori Chaupín Mariño de Zevallos
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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MODAL VERBS —– “CAN”

“CAN” is one of the most used modal verbs in English. “Can” is an auxiliary verb ( modal auxiliary verb ).
It can be used to express;
 Ability
 Possibility
 Permission
 Request
 Offer

General Structure of “CAN” in a Sentence


POSITIVE FORM (+) : Subject + CAN + Verb ( first form of the verb )
NEGATIVE FORM (-) : Subject + CAN + NOT ( CAN’T ) + Verb ( first form of the verb )
QUESTION FORM (?) : CAN+ Subject + Verb ( first form of the verb )
Examples:
 I can play basketball. ( positive form )
 I can not ( can’t ) play basketball. ( negative form )
 Can I play basketball? ( question form )
Contraction for ” CAN NOT “;
can not –> can’t Ex: I can’t swim.

Using ” CAN “
1. It is used to express that someone is able to do something. ( Present Ability )
Examples:
 I can speak four languages.
 She can drive a car.
 He can speak English fast.
 Fishes can swim.
2. It is used to express that something is possible. ( General Possibility )
Examples:
 Alcohol can cause canser.
 They can stay with us when they come.
 You can buy tickets from the dealers.

3. It is used in a question, which is not a real question, to ask somebody to do something. We want somebody to do
our request ( in an informal way, especially between friends or family ). ( Informal Request )
Examples:
 Can you make me coffee?
 Can you hand me the pen?
 Can I have some tea, please?
4. It is also used to ask or give permission for something. ( Informal Permission )
Examples:
 Can I use your book, please? ( ask for permission )
 If you want, you can go to the park. ( give permission )
 Can I ask you some questions? ( ask for permission )
 You can drive my bike. ( give permission )

5. It is used in offers to help someone or to do something for someone. ( Informal Offer )


Examples:
 Can I help you?
 If they like, I can carry some bags for you.
 There is nothing left in the fridge. Can I do some shopping for you?
Attention:
For ” CAN NOT”;
1. It is used in negative saying ( when we are sure that something is not true or something is surprising )
Examples:
 That can’t be John. He is in America.
 It can’t be raining. The sun is shining and there are no rain clouds.
 You can’t be 50! You look young.

2. It is also used in negative saying ( when something is forbidden or not allowed )


Examples:
 You can’t park the car there.
 They can’t wear jeans at work.
 You can’t go on without us.

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