English grammar · level A1. Leggi la regola e gli esempi, guarda le forme (affermativa, negativa, interrogativa), evita gli errori comuni e poi mettiti alla prova con il quiz.
1 The rule
Can is a modal verb. We use it to talk about ability, permission, requests and possibility.
After can we use the base verb: no -s and no to.
Subject +
can + base verb (no -s, no to)2 Forms
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Affirmative | Subject + can + base verb | I can swim. |
| Negative | Subject + can't (cannot) + base verb | He can't drive. |
| Question | Can + subject + base verb ? | Can you help me? |
| Same for all persons | I/you/he/she/it/we/they + can | She can (not “cans”) sing. |
3 When we use it
Ability
- She can play the piano.
- I can't cook very well.
Permission
- Can I go out, please?
- You can use my pen.
Requests
- Can you open the window?
- Can you say that again?
Possibility
- We can meet on Friday.
- It can be cold here at night.
4 Common mistakes
✗ She cans swim.
✓ She can swim.
Modal verbs never take -s.
✗ I can to swim.
✓ I can swim.
No “to” after can.
✗ Can you to help me?
✓ Can you help me?
In italianoDopo can il verbo va all'infinito senza to e senza -s: she can swim (non «she cans» né «can to swim»).
5 Quiz — check your understanding
0 / 7
Multiple choice
1 Choose: “He ___ speak three languages.”
2 Negative: “I ___ swim.”
3 Request: “___ you help me, please?”
4 Which sentence is correct?
True or False
5 After “can” we use the base verb.
6 The third person is “he cans”.
7 “Can” can express permission and requests.
Suggerimento: crea 3 frasi tue con questa regola (una affermativa, una negativa, una interrogativa) e dille ad alta voce. Applicare subito la regola è il modo più veloce per fissarla.