Using Can

Can you help me?

Can is a modal verb in English grammar, and has a few different meanings. Today, I am going to show you how we use can in both statements and questions.

Can is used to show ability. It comes before the main verb in a sentence.

• I can sing and dance!
• Jack can speak three languages.
• This factory can produce 1,000 jackets per day.

Can is used to ask about ability. It comes before the subject in a question.

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• Can you sing and dance!
• Can Jack speak any foreign languages?
• Can this factory produce a lot of jackets?

Can is used to show permission. It comes before the main verb in a sentence.

• I can leave work early today
• Jack can take this old PC if he wants it.

Can is used to ask for permission. It comes before the subject in a question.

• Can I leave work early today?
• Can Jack take this old PC? He collects them!

Can us used in a question to make a request:

• Can you help me?
• Hey boss. Can Jack come to the meeting with me?
• Can we have some more coffee, please?

Can us also used in a question to make an offer:

• Can I help you with anything today?
• Can I buy you a cup of coffee after work?
• Can I take you to the movies sometime?