Use of Can

‘Can’ shows ability and cannot( can’t) expresses inability.

Subject + can + verb + object + etc.

• I can speak two foreign languages.  
• She can’t solve the puzzle.
• I can drive a lorry.
• He can play the guitar.
• They can win the race
• I can defeat him in a race.
• You cannot lend him money.

Use of Can and Could in the present, past, future

• Can and could (able to) both are used to express ability (present, past, and future):
• You can play the piano well.  (is able to)
• I could solve the Sudoku puzzle.  (was able to)
• He will be able to solve the puzzles.   ( future of can)
• He has been able to solve the physics numeric. ( perfect of ‘can’).
• Note: be able to or be capable of is used in the place of ‘can’.

 Examples:

• She is able to speak French.
• He was able to fight with them.
• She will be able to pass the exams.
• My brother is capable of speaking German.
• Poonam was capable of speaking in front of the students.
• Pankaj Som was capable of teaching mathematics.

Sometimes we use ‘can’ in the sense of (may) to give permission. “May” is more formal than “use of Can”

• She can go now, or she may go now.
• You can buy vegetables from this shop.
• Can I go to granny’s home?
• Can I see your novel?
• You can choose any jeans, or you may choose any jeans.
• Can I go, or may I go?

• Note: these kinds of sentences are used in the sense of be allowed to/be permitted to.

 Examples:

• She is allowed to enter the class.
• They are permitted to go now at once.
• She is permitted to join our group.
• You are allowed to play with girls.

Can and could  express Possibility or uncertainty:

Can:

• It can be very hot in summer (=it is sometimes very hot in summer)
• You are above fifty. You can forget your keys (= old aged people often forget keys.)
• Don’t go from this road, you can trap in traffic here. (= the road which often is used by vehicles may have traffic there).

Could:

• you could come on time if you got up early.
• You could pass the exams. But you were sick.
• Who is he with Shalu? He could be her husband.      (Possibly he is)
• What’s her age?  She could be eighteen. (Possibly she is)
• Note: Can is used to express theoretical possibility:            
• Everyone can forget.
• Everyone can make a mistake.
• Everyone can learn what is required.

• Prohibition/offer:
• She cannot play chess with us.      (prohibition)
• He cannot enter college.                  (prohibition)
• Can I lend you money?                     (Offer)
• Can I pay your bill?                            (Offer)
• Can I bring some novels for you?    (Offer)
• Can I help you in lifting your grass? (offer)

Exercise – “Use of can”

Fill in the blanks with the appropriate auxiliary verbs:

1.  ……….  You speak English in assembly?   (can/may/could)
2.  ……….. he beat you?     (can/may)
3.  ………. You lend me some money please?   (can/could/may)
4.  He …….. lift 100 kg. weight now.   (can’t/couldn’t)
5.  She doesn’t have money. She …….  Help you.   (cannot/could not)
6.  Everyone ……. Run.    (can’t/couldn’t)
7.  She says that she ……… solve the puzzle.    (can/could)
8. My father said that I ……… Pass the IAS interview.   (can’t/couldn’t)
9. An innocent person …….. cheat you.   (can’t/couldn’t/mayn’t)
10. ……… I have you pen?   (can/could)
11. He ……….  speak English.   (is able to /are able to)
12. They …….. permitted to go now.   (is/are/am/was/were)
13. ………. She buy a Ferrari car?   (could/can)
14. He …….. allowed to go then.   (is/are/was)
15. ……. Your brother capable to learn how to fight now? (is/are/was/were/can)