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Can and Could for beginners

cancouldmodals

Talent shows are a big thing now in our pop culture. If you want to participate in them, you should know how to talk about your abilities. Learn about it here!

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"Can and Could" in English Grammar

The Modal Verb Can

'Can' is a modal verb used to talk about 'abilities' in the present.

After 'can' the base form of the verb is used. For example:

I can swim.

You can sing.

She can drive a car.

'Can' has the same form for all persons.

I can swim.
He/She/It can swim.
We/You/They can swim.

Negation

The negative form of can is 'can not' and the contracted form is 'can't'. Take a look at the examples:

I can't swim.

He can not sing.

You can also use 'cannot'. But it's rather formal.

Questions

To form questions, you need to simply place 'can' before the subject. For example:

- Can you sing?

We use 'can' and 'can't' in tag questions as well:

You can dance, can't you?

They can't stay calm, can they?

Warning

Do not use do/does/did in questions or negative sentences with 'can'.

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