can/can't for ability, permission and polite requests; one form for all persons
I can talk about abilities, ask for permission and make simple requests with can.
Look at these examples. Can you spot the grammar pattern?
Can you speak more slowly, please? I'm still learning English.
Can you speak more slowly, please? I'm still learning English.
My grandma can ride a motorbike, but she can't send emails.
My grandma can ride a motorbike, but she can't send emails.
Pay attention to the highlighted parts. What do they have in common?
Can never changes and takes a bare infinitive:
| Use | Example |
|---|---|
| ability | She can swim. I can't drive. |
| permission | You can sit here. |
| request | Can you help me? Can I have the bill? |
No -s, no do: Can she swim? (not *Does she can). Negative: can't (cannot).
Apply this grammar in A1 course exercises
Practice Exercises-s added to can
Modals never take -s: she can
to after can
can + bare infinitive: can drive
Can you speak more slowly, please? I'm still learning English.
Can you speak more slowly, please? I'm still learning English.
The survival request every learner needs first.
My grandma can ride a motorbike, but she can't send emails.
My grandma can ride a motorbike, but she can't send emails.
Ability contrast can/can't.
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Practice in course
Apply this grammar in A1 course exercises