B1 Verb Moods 13 min read Medio

Primer Condicional con 'Can' (Posibilidad y Permiso Futuro)

Usar 'can' en el Primer Condicional es para especificar ability o permission en posibilidades futuras y reales. ¡Es muy útil!
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Practícalo

Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use 'If + Present Simple' and 'Can + Verb' to talk about future things that are possible or allowed.

  • The 'if' part uses Present Simple: 'If it rains...'
  • The result part uses 'can' + base verb: '...we can stay home.'
  • Use 'can' instead of 'will' to show ability or permission, not just certainty.
If + 👤 + 🟢 (Present) , 👤 + 💪 (Can) + 🏁 (Base Verb)

Overview

¿Alguna vez has intentado negociar con un amigo sobre quién paga el Uber? ¿O tal vez te has prometido a ti mismo una pizza gigante si realmente terminas ese ensayo de 3.000 palabras para la medianoche? Si alguna vez has establecido una condición para lo que alguien tiene permitido hacer o lo que se vuelve posible, ya has estado usando la lógica del Primer Condicional.
Pero aquí está el giro: no solo estamos hablando de lo que will (pasará). Estamos hablando de lo que can (puede pasar). Este sutil cambio de will a can cambia la vibra de un resultado garantizado a un mundo de posibilidad, permiso y nuevas habilidades.
Es la diferencia entre
Irás a la fiesta
(una orden o una predicción) y
Puedes ir a la fiesta
(la luz verde que has estado esperando).

How This Grammar Works

Imagina que estás navegando por una aplicación de streaming. Ves un mensaje:
Si te suscribes al nivel premium, puedes ver programas en 4K
. Esto no es solo una predicción.
Es una oferta de habilidad. El Primer Condicional con can es tu herramienta ideal para hablar sobre consecuencias de la vida real que involucran permiso, oportunidad o habilidad. A diferencia de la versión estándar con will, que se siente como una certeza científica o una promesa sólida, la versión con can es mucho más flexible.
Se usa cuando el resultado de una condición no es solo un evento futuro, sino una *opción* futura. Es perfecto para hacer tratos, dar consejos o explicar cómo funciona una aplicación. Si haces X, entonces Y se convierte en una opción para ti.
Es el patrón gramatical definitivo de
elige tu propia aventura
. Solo no lo uses para decirle a tu gato qué hacer; ignorará la condición y el resultado de todos modos.

Formation Pattern

1
Crear esta oración es como construir un set de LEGO. Necesitas dos piezas principales:
2
La Condición (la parte del if): Usa if seguido del Presente Simple. Aunque estemos hablando del futuro, mantenemos el verbo en presente.
3
El Resultado (la parte del can): Usa can seguido de la Forma Base del verbo (sin to, sin -ing, sin -ed).
4
Estructura: If + [Sujeto] + [Verbo en Presente Simple], [Sujeto] + can + [Verbo Base].
5
Ejemplo: If you pass the test, you can borrow my car. (Si pasas el examen, puedes tomar prestado mi coche).
6
¡También puedes invertir el orden! Si la parte del can va primero, no necesitas coma.
7
Ejemplo: You can borrow my car if you pass the test. (Puedes tomar prestado mi coche si pasas el examen).
8
Piensa en la coma como un pequeño bache de velocidad. Si if comienza la oración, necesitas el bache. Si if está en el medio, actúa como el pegamento, por lo que no se necesita el bache. Es una regla simple, pero olvida la coma y un profesor de gramática en algún lugar podría perder sus alas.

When To Use It

Esto no es solo para libros de texto; es para la vida real. Aquí están los cuatro grandes momentos en los que can brilla en el Primer Condicional:
  • Dar Permiso: Este es el más importante.
    Si terminas tus tareas, puedes jugar Valorant
    . Tú eres el jefe aquí. La condición es el precio que pagan por el permiso.
  • Expresar Habilidad:
    Si encontramos un traductor, podemos entender el menú
    . Esto no se trata de permiso; se trata de si la acción es física o mentalmente posible.
  • Ofrecer Opciones:
    Si tienes hambre, podemos pedir sushi
    . No estás diciendo que *vas* a pedirlo; lo estás presentando como una opción viable. Es educado y sin presión.
  • Describir Reglas/Sistemas:
    Si tienes un carné de estudiante, puedes obtener un descuento
    . Esto explica cómo funciona el mundo. Es la lógica de las aplicaciones, los sitios web y las oficinas burocráticas en todas partes.
Usar can te hace sonar servicial y flexible. Es el hermano mayor genial de la familia de los condicionales.

Common Mistakes

Aunque este es un nivel B1, la gente se equivoca todo el tiempo.
  1. 1La Trampa del Will: Mucha gente intenta poner will en la cláusula del if. If I will see him, I can tell him. NO. Detente ahí mismo. La cláusula del if siempre se queda en el Presente Simple. If I see him, I can tell him.
  2. 2La Infatuación con el To: No pongas to después de can. If it rains, we can to stay home. Ay. Es solo can stay. No se permite to en la zona del can.
  3. 3La S de la Tercera Persona del Singular: En la cláusula del if, no olvides la s para he/she/it. If she go, she can see. Mal. If she goes, she can see. Sin embargo, nunca pongas una s en el verbo después de can. She can goes es un crimen contra la humanidad.
  4. 4El Drama de la Coma: Como se mencionó, si empiezas con If, usa una coma. Si no lo haces, tus lectores se quedarán sin aliento leyendo tu oración en sus cabezas.

Contrast With Similar Patterns

¿Cómo sabes cuándo usar can en lugar de will o could?
  • Can vs. Will: Usa will para un resultado definitivo. If you jump, you will fall. (La gravedad es un fastidio). Usa can para una posibilidad o permiso. If you jump, you can win the prize. (Tal vez no saltes, pero la opción está ahí).
  • Can vs. Could: Esto se trata de la realidad. Can es para el Primer Condicional (posibilidades reales). If I have money, I can buy it. (Puede que consiga dinero pronto). Could es para el Segundo Condicional (imaginario/poco probable). If I had a billion dollars, I could buy an island. (No tengo mil millones de dólares, y actualmente estoy comiendo fideos instantáneos).
  • Can vs. May: Ambos funcionan para el permiso, pero can es mucho más común en el inglés moderno y conversacional. May suena como si llevaras un sombrero de copa y un monóculo. A menos que estés en una reunión de Zoom muy elegante, quédate con can.

Quick FAQ

P: ¿Puedo usar can't en estas oraciones?

R: ¡Absolutamente! If you don't have a ticket, you can't enter. Funciona exactamente de la misma manera para resultados negativos.

P: ¿Qué pasa si quiero hacer una pregunta?

R: Simplemente invierte la cláusula principal. If I finish early, can I leave? o Can I leave if I finish early?

P: ¿Puedo usar otras palabras en lugar de if?

R: ¡Sí! When, as soon as y unless funcionan con el mismo patrón. Unless you pay, you can't watch. (Nota: unless significa if not).

P: ¿Está bien usar esto en un correo electrónico profesional?

R: Sí, es muy común. If you are available on Tuesday, we can discuss the project. Suena profesional pero colaborativo.

P: ¿Significa can siempre permiso?

R: No siempre. A veces solo significa es posible. ¡El contexto es el rey! Si estás hablando con tu jefe, es permiso. Si estás hablando del clima, es posibilidad.

Structure of First Conditional with 'Can'

Clause Type Grammar Structure Example
Condition (If-Clause)
If + Subject + Present Simple
If you study hard,
Result (Main Clause)
Subject + Can + Base Verb
you can pass the exam.
Negative Result
Subject + Cannot (Can't) + Base Verb
you can't go out.
Question Form
Can + Subject + Base Verb + If...?
Can we go if it stops raining?

Contractions in the Result Clause

Full Form Contraction Usage Note
cannot
can't
Most common in speech and informal writing.
can not
N/A
Rarely written as two words unless for extreme emphasis.

Meanings

A structure used to express that a future outcome is possible (ability) or permitted (permission) only if a specific condition happens first.

1

Future Ability

Expressing that someone will have the skill or opportunity to do something if a condition is met.

“If I find my glasses, I can read the map.”

“If we save enough money, we can buy a new car next year.”

2

Future Permission

Expressing that someone will be allowed to do something if they fulfill a requirement.

“If you eat your vegetables, you can have dessert.”

“If she passes the test, she can borrow my car.”

3

Theoretical Possibility

Suggesting a potential option among many if a situation occurs.

“If the hotel is full, we can sleep in the van.”

“If you are lost, you can call me anytime.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Primer Condicional con 'Can' (Posibilidad y Permiso Futuro)
Tipo de Situación If Clause (Condition) Main Clause (Result) Énfasis
Habilidad/Oportunidad
If you study hard
you can pass the exam
Capacidad
Permiso
If you finish your chores
you can watch TV
Concesión
Habilidad Negativa
If it snows heavily
we can't drive
Falta de Capacidad
Permiso Negativo
If you don't have a ticket
you can't enter
Prohibición
Pregunta (Permiso)
If I finish early
can I leave?
Pidiendo Permiso
Pregunta (Habilidad)
If it's sunny
can we go hiking?
Preguntando por Posibilidad

Espectro de formalidad

Formal
If your tasks are completed, you can depart for the day.

If your tasks are completed, you can depart for the day. (Workplace)

Neutral
If you finish your work, you can go home.

If you finish your work, you can go home. (Workplace)

Informal
If you're done, you can head out.

If you're done, you can head out. (Workplace)

Jerga
If you're through, you can bail.

If you're through, you can bail. (Workplace)

Desglose del Primer Condicional con 'Can'

Primer Condicional con 'Can'

Estructura

  • If + Simple Present Cláusula de Condición
  • Subject + Can + Base Verb Cláusula Principal

Significados Clave

  • Ability Capaz de hacer
  • Permission Permitido hacer
  • Opportunity Oportunidad de hacer

Ejemplos Clave

  • If it rains, we can stay inside. Habilidad
  • You can go if you finish. Permiso

'Can' vs. 'Will' en el Primer Condicional

Primer Condicional con 'Can'
If I save money, I can travel. Enfoque: Habilidad/Permiso
If you finish, you can play. Enfoque: Permiso
Primer Condicional con 'Will'
If I save money, I will travel. Enfoque: Certeza/Predicción
If you finish, you will play. Enfoque: Resultado Directo

Decidiendo Usar 'Can' en el Primer Condicional

1

¿Es la situación un evento futuro real o probable?

YES
Ir al siguiente paso
NO
Usa el Segundo Condicional u otros modales.
2

¿Quieres expresar habilidad, permiso u oportunidad en el resultado?

YES
Usa 'can' + Verbo Base en la cláusula principal.
NO
Usa 'will' o 'may/might' para predicción/posibilidad general.
3

¿Está la cláusula 'if' en Presente Simple?

YES
¡La frase es correcta!
NO
Corrige la cláusula 'if' a Presente Simple.

Usos Cotidianos de 'Can' en Condicionales

📆

Planificación

  • • If it's sunny, we can go to the park.
  • • If you finish early, we can get coffee.
🤝

Negociación

  • • If you help me, I can finish faster.
  • • You can borrow my car if you fill the tank.
✅

Pedir/Conceder Permiso

  • • If I finish, can I leave?
  • • You can watch TV if your homework is done.
💪

Declarar Habilidad

  • • If I practice, I can improve.
  • • If the system upgrades, it can handle more data.
Regístrate gratis para leer la explicación completa

Ejemplos por nivel

1

If I see him, I can say hello.

If I see him, I can say hello.

2

If you are hungry, you can eat an apple.

If you are hungry, you can eat an apple.

3

If it is sunny, we can go to the park.

If it is sunny, we can go to the park.

4

If you have a pen, I can write the name.

If you have a pen, I can write the name.

1

If you don't hurry, you can't catch the bus.

If you don't hurry, you can't catch the bus.

2

If she likes the dress, she can buy it.

If she likes the dress, she can buy it.

3

If we have a map, we can find the museum.

If we have a map, we can find the museum.

4

Can I watch TV if I finish my homework?

Can I watch TV if I finish my homework?

1

If you book the tickets now, you can get a discount.

If you book the tickets now, you can get a discount.

2

If the Wi-Fi is slow, you can use the Ethernet cable.

If the Wi-Fi is slow, you can use the Ethernet cable.

3

We can go for a coffee if you have twenty minutes.

We can go for a coffee if you have twenty minutes.

4

If he doesn't feel better, he can't join the meeting.

If he doesn't feel better, he can't join the meeting.

1

If you provide a valid ID, you can access the building after hours.

If you provide a valid ID, you can access the building after hours.

2

If the company expands, we can hire more staff in the autumn.

If the company expands, we can hire more staff in the autumn.

3

You can't expect to improve if you don't practice consistently.

You can't expect to improve if you don't practice consistently.

4

If the software crashes, you can always restore the previous version.

If the software crashes, you can always restore the previous version.

1

If the negotiations stall, we can explore alternative suppliers.

If the negotiations stall, we can explore alternative suppliers.

2

If you look closely at the data, you can see a clear trend emerging.

If you look closely at the data, you can see a clear trend emerging.

3

If the government intervenes, they can stabilize the currency.

If the government intervenes, they can stabilize the currency.

4

We can hardly blame him if he decides to resign under these conditions.

We can hardly blame him if he decides to resign under these conditions.

1

If we concede this point, we can effectively dismantle their entire argument.

If we concede this point, we can effectively dismantle their entire argument.

2

If the market remains volatile, one can only speculate as to the long-term fallout.

If the market remains volatile, one can only speculate as to the long-term fallout.

3

If the author intended to provoke, she can certainly claim success.

If the author intended to provoke, she can certainly claim success.

4

If we are to succeed, we can afford no further delays.

If we are to succeed, we can afford no further delays.

Fácil de confundir

First Conditional with 'Can' (Future Possibility & Permission) vs First vs. Second Conditional with Can/Could

Learners mix up 'If I have time, I can help' (likely) with 'If I had time, I could help' (unlikely).

First Conditional with 'Can' (Future Possibility & Permission) vs Can vs. Will

Learners use 'will' when they mean 'permission' or 'ability'.

First Conditional with 'Can' (Future Possibility & Permission) vs If vs. When

Using 'if' for things that are 100% certain to happen.

Errores comunes

✗

If I will see him, I can tell him.

✓

If I see him, I can tell him.

Do not use 'will' after 'if'.
✗

If it rains, we will can't go.

✓

If it rains, we can't go.

Don't combine 'will' and 'can'.
✗

If he come, he can help.

✓

If he comes, he can help.

The 'if' clause needs the 's' for third person.
✗

If you are happy, you can to dance.

✓

If you are happy, you can dance.

No 'to' after 'can'.
✗

If you can help me, I will be happy.

✓

If you help me, I can be happy.

While 'If you can help' is grammatically possible, it means 'If you have the ability', which is rarely what learners mean.
✗

We can go if it will be sunny.

✓

We can go if it is sunny.

Present simple is required after 'if' even when the result is in the future.
✗

If she study, she can pass.

✓

If she studies, she can pass.

Subject-verb agreement in the if-clause.
✗

If the weather is good, we will can go hiking.

✓

If the weather is good, we can go hiking.

English does not allow 'will can'. Use 'can' or 'will be able to'.
✗

If I would have time, I can help.

✓

If I have time, I can help.

Using 'would' in the if-clause is a Second Conditional error applied to a First Conditional context.
✗

If you'll finish early, you can go.

✓

If you finish early, you can go.

Contraction of 'will' in the if-clause is still incorrect.

Patrones de oraciones

If you ___, you can ___.

We can ___ if the ___ is ___.

If ___ doesn't ___, we can't ___.

Can I ___ if I ___?

Real World Usage

Texting a friend constant

If u r free later, we can grab food.

Job Interview common

If you join our team, you can expect a great benefits package.

Ordering Food very common

If I pay extra, can I get double cheese?

Travel / Airport common

If your bag is overweight, you can pay the fee at the counter.

Parenting constant

If you tidy your toys, you can watch a cartoon.

Tech Support very common

If the light is red, you can try restarting the router.

Regístrate gratis para ver todos los ejemplos
💡

Detecta la Posibilidad Real

Recuerda, el Primer Condicional con 'can' es para cosas realistas o probables que pueden pasar. No lo uses para fantasías. "If it's sunny, we can go to the park."
⚠️

Evita la Trampa de 'Will Can'

'Will can' nunca es correcto. 'Can' ya implica posibilidad futura, así que no lo combines con otros modales como 'will' o 'would'.
If you practice, you can improve.
(No
you will can improve
).
🎯

Poder de Permiso y Habilidad

Usa 'can' para dejar claro si algo es *posible* por habilidad, o *permitido* por autorización. Añade mucha claridad.
If you finish your homework, you can watch TV.
🌍

El Contexto es Clave

En culturas angloparlantes, usar 'can' en condicionales es común para negociar, poner límites o planear. ¡Es muy directo!
If you help me, I can finish faster.
💡

Las Reglas de la Coma Importan

Si la cláusula 'if' empieza la frase, pon una coma antes de la cláusula principal. Si la cláusula 'if' va segunda, no necesitas coma.
If it rains, we can stay inside.
vs.
We can stay inside if it rains.

Smart Tips

Just use 'can'. It's shorter, more natural, and means the same thing in a first conditional.

If I win, I will be able to buy a car. → If I win, I can buy a car.

Use 'can' to show that the result is an option, not a requirement.

If you are tired, you will sleep. → If you are tired, you can sleep.

Stop! Check if the 'will' is right after 'if'. If it is, delete it.

If it will be hot, we can swim. → If it is hot, we can swim.

Start the sentence with 'Can I...' to make it a question.

If I finish, I can go? → Can I go if I finish?

Pronunciación

/ɪf juː kəm, aɪ kən hɛlp/

The Weak 'Can'

In affirmative sentences, 'can' is usually unstressed and sounds like /kən/.

/ɪf juː dount, juː kænt gou/

The Strong 'Can't'

In negative sentences, 'can't' is stressed and the vowel is clearer /kænt/ (US) or /kɑːnt/ (UK).

Rising-Falling

If it rains (rising), we can stay home (falling).

The rising tone on the if-clause shows the condition is pending; the falling tone on the result shows the conclusion.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

If the Present is the Key, then 'Can' is the Door you open.

Asociación visual

Imagine a gate with a sign that says 'IF'. Once you walk through the gate (the condition), you find a toolbox labeled 'CAN'. You can now use any tool inside.

Rhyme

If the first part is in the now, 'Can' will show you how!

Story

A boy wants to play video games. His mom says, 'If you clean your room, you can play.' He cleans (Present Simple), and suddenly the console turns on (Ability/Permission).

Word Web

IfCanPossibleAllowedAbilityConditionFuture

Desafío

Write 3 things you can do this weekend if the weather is good.

Notas culturales

British speakers often use 'can' in conditionals to be polite and indirect, especially when offering help. 'If you're struggling, I can give you a hand.'

In US business culture, 'can' is used in conditionals to emphasize 'can-do' attitude and problem-solving. 'If we hit a snag, we can pivot quickly.'

Australians frequently use 'can' in conditionals with 'reckon' to express a likely possibility. 'If it's hot, I reckon we can go for a swim.'

The word 'if' comes from Old English 'gif', and 'can' comes from 'cunnan' (to know how to).

Inicios de conversación

“

What can you do if it rains this weekend?

“

If you win the lottery, what can you buy for your family?

“

If you have a free week, where can you travel?

“

If your boss offers you a promotion in another country, can you accept it?

Temas para diario

Write about your plans for tomorrow. Use 'if' and 'can' at least three times.
Describe a problem you are facing. What are some possible solutions? 'If I..., I can...'
Imagine you are a manager. Write a list of rules for your employees using conditional permission.
Discuss the potential impacts of climate change on your city. 'If the sea level rises, we can...'

Errores comunes

Incorrect

Correcto

Incorrect

Correcto

Incorrect

Correcto

Incorrect

Correcto

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Test Yourself

Elige la forma correcta del verbo para completar la frase.

If you study hard, you ___ pass the exam.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: can
En el Primer Condicional, usamos 'can' (no 'will can') para expresar habilidad en la cláusula principal cuando la condición es real o probable.
Encuentra y corrige el error en la frase. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

If it will rain tomorrow, we can stay inside.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: If it rains tomorrow, we can stay inside.
La cláusula 'if' en el Primer Condicional siempre usa el tiempo Presente Simple, no 'will'.
Ordena estas palabras para formar una oración gramaticalmente correcta. Sentence Reorder

Arrange the words in the correct order:

All words placed

Click words above to build the sentence

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: If you need it, I can lend you my book.
La estructura correcta es 'If' + Presente Simple, Sujeto + 'can' + Verbo Base.

Score: /3

Ejercicios de practica

8 exercises
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verbs.

If she ___ (have) enough money, she ___ (can/buy) the car.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: has / can buy
We use Present Simple after 'if' and 'can' + base verb for the result.
Which sentence is grammatically correct? Opción múltiple

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: If it rains, we can't play.
No 'will' after 'if' and no 'will' before 'can't'.
Find the mistake in the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

If you can to help me, I can finish early.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: If you help me
While 'If you can help' is possible, 'can to' is always wrong. The simplest form is 'If you help me'.
Put the words in the correct order. Sentence Reorder

can / if / you / go / finish / you

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: You can go if you finish.
The result (you can go) follows the condition (if you finish).
Translate to English. Traducción

Si tienes tiempo, puedes llamarme.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: If you have time, you can call me.
Present simple + can.
Match the condition to the result. Match Pairs

1. If it's hot... / 2. If you're tired... / 3. If you're lost...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1-can swim, 2-can sleep, 3-can call me
Logical matching of conditions and results.
Select the best response. Opción múltiple

Can I borrow your bike?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Yes, if you are careful, you can.
Standard first conditional with permission.
Complete the negative sentence.

If we don't have a key, we ___ enter.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: can't
'Can't' is the negative of 'can'.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

12 exercises
Elige el verbo modal correcto para completar la frase. Completar huecos

If the weather is good, we ___ go for a hike.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: can
Encuentra y corrige el error en la frase. Error Correction

You would can join the club if you register online.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: You can join the club if you register online.
Elige la frase correcta: Opción múltiple

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: If he works late, he can't come to dinner.
Traduce al inglés: Traducción

Translate into English: 'Si termino mi trabajo, puedo ayudarte.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["If I finish my work, I can help you.","I can help you if I finish my work."]
Pon las palabras en orden para formar una frase correcta. Sentence Reorder

Arrange these words into a sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: If you help me, I can find the keys.
Une la cláusula 'if' con su resultado apropiado con 'can': Match Pairs

Match the 'if' clause with its appropriate 'can' result:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: matched
Completa la frase con la forma correcta. Completar huecos

If I save enough, I ___ travel next summer.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: can
Identifica y corrige el error gramatical. Error Correction

If they had finished on time, they can relax now.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: If they finish on time, they can relax now.
Selecciona la frase gramaticalmente correcta. Opción múltiple

Which sentence is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: We can go if you want to.
Traduce la frase al inglés. Traducción

Translate into English: 'Puedes usar mi coche si lo devuelves mañana.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["You can use my car if you return it tomorrow.","If you return it tomorrow, you can use my car."]
Desordena las palabras para formar una frase coherente. Sentence Reorder

Arrange these words into a sentence:

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Conecta el inicio de la frase con su final correcto. Match Pairs

Match the beginning of the sentence to its ending:

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Score: /12

Preguntas frecuentes (8)

Yes, but it changes the meaning. `Can` is for real/likely situations (First Conditional). `Could` is for imaginary/unlikely situations (Second Conditional).

Usually 'If I'. For example: 'If I go, I can buy it.' If you say 'If I can go', you are saying 'If I have the ability to go'.

In English, you cannot put two modal verbs together. You must use `can` alone or the phrase `will be able to`.

Only if the `if` clause comes first. 'If it rains, we can stay.' (Comma) vs 'We can stay if it rains.' (No comma).

Yes, `may` is more formal than `can` but follows the same rule: 'If it rains, we may stay home.'

It's for the future and for general truths/rules. 'If you have a ticket, you can enter' is a general rule.

The negative is `cannot` or `can't`. Example: 'If you don't pay, you can't stay.'

Yes! 'Can we go if I finish my work?' is a very common way to ask for permission.

Scaffolded Practice

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In Other Languages

Spanish high

Si + presente, poder (presente)

Spanish allows the future of 'poder', English does not allow 'will can'.

French high

Si + présent, pouvoir (présent)

French speakers must avoid using the future after 'si', just like in English.

German high

Wenn + Präsens, kann...

Word order: German moves the verb 'kann' to the start of the second clause.

Japanese moderate

〜たら、〜ことができる

Japanese marks the condition on the verb itself, not with a separate word like 'if'.

Arabic moderate

In + present, yumkin...

Arabic has several words for 'if' depending on how likely the situation is.

Chinese high

如果... 就可以...

Chinese grammar is very similar here, but it doesn't have verb conjugations for 'if'.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
Primer Condicional: Quizás/Probablemente (May/Might)

Learn These First

B1 Requires

Primer Condicional: Posibilidades Reales Futuras

### Overview El **First Conditional** (primer condicional) es una de las estructuras más potentes y utilizadas en el id...
B1 Requires

Can: Expresar habilidad (Can)

Overview ¿Puedes hacer un mortal hacia atrás? ¿O tal vez solo hornear un pan de masa madre decente? De cualquier manera...

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