Rules and usage
Can and could are modal verbs used to talk about ability, permission, and possibility in English. These modals are fundamental in everyday conversation and writing, especially when learners need to express what they can do, what was possible in the past, or what they are allowed to do.
Present ability with can
- Use can to express what someone is able to do right now or in general. This is the most common use of can.
- Sarah can speak three languages fluently.
- I can cook pasta, but I cannot make bread.
- Can you drive a car? Yes, I can.
- The children can swim in the pool every summer.
- Can expresses a general ability or skill that exists at present. It shows what is possible for someone because they have the knowledge or physical ability.
✅ Positive sentence examples
| English | English |
|---|
| I can speak English fluently. | |
| She can cook delicious meals. | |
⛔ Negative sentence examples
| English | English |
|---|
| I can't swim very well. | |
| She couldn't find her keys. | |
❓ Question sentence examples
| English | English |
|---|
| Can you help me with this? | |
| Could you pass the salt? | |