Can is the essential tool for expressing what you are capable of doing right now.
30초 단어
- Used to express ability or capability.
- Used to ask for or grant permission.
- Followed by the base form of a verb.
Overview
'Can' is one of the most frequently used modal verbs in the English language. It is primarily used to describe what a person or thing is capable of doing. Because it is a modal verb, it does not change form (no 's' in the third person) and is followed by the base form of the main verb without 'to'. Usage Patterns: The structure is simple: [Subject] + [can] + [base verb]. For negatives, we use 'cannot' or 'can't'. For questions, we invert the subject and 'can' (e.g., 'Can you swim?'). Common Contexts: We use 'can' for physical ability (I can run fast), mental ability (I can speak French), or permission (Can I go now?). It is also used to express general possibilities or theoretical occurrences. Similar Words Comparison: 'Can' is often compared to 'could' and 'be able to'. 'Could' is the past tense of 'can' or a more polite/tentative version of the present tense. 'Be able to' is a phrase that can be used in all tenses, whereas 'can' is restricted to the present. Using 'be able to' is often necessary when you need to use a tense other than the present, such as the future ('I will be able to help you') or the perfect ('I have been able to finish it'). Understanding these nuances helps learners sound more natural and accurate in various social and professional settings.
예시
I can swim across the lake.
everydayJe sais nager à travers le lac.
Can I use your phone, please?
formalPuis-je utiliser votre téléphone, s'il vous plaît ?
You can leave whenever you want.
informalTu peux partir quand tu veux.
Heavy rain can cause flooding.
academicLes fortes pluies peuvent causer des inondations.
자주 쓰는 조합
자주 쓰는 구문
can't help it
ne pas pouvoir s'en empêcher
as best as I can
du mieux que je peux
can you believe it
peux-tu le croire
자주 혼동되는 단어
Could is the past tense of can or a more polite present tense. Use 'can' for current ability and 'could' for past ability or polite requests.
May is more formal than 'can'. Use 'may' when asking for permission in very professional or academic environments.
문법 패턴
How to Use It
사용 참고사항
Can is used in both formal and informal registers. It is the standard way to express capability. In very formal writing, 'be able to' is sometimes preferred to avoid the repetitive use of modal verbs.
자주 하는 실수
The most common mistake is adding 'to' after 'can'. Another error is trying to use 'can' in the future tense (e.g., 'I will can'). Always use 'will be able to' for the future.
Tips
Remember the base verb rule
Never add 'to' or 's' after 'can'. It is always 'can swim', not 'can to swim' or 'can swims'.
Avoid double modals
You cannot use two modal verbs together. Do not say 'I will can go', instead use 'I will be able to go'.
Politeness variations
While 'Can I...' is common, native speakers often use 'Could I...' or 'May I...' to sound more polite in formal settings.
어원
The word comes from the Old English 'cunnan', meaning 'to know' or 'to know how to'. It is related to the word 'cunning' and 'can' (as in a container).
문화적 맥락
The word 'can' reflects the English focus on capability and empowerment. It is a cornerstone of the 'can-do' attitude often associated with modern professional culture.
암기 팁
Think of 'CAN' as 'Capability And Nature'. If it is in your nature or capability, you CAN do it!
자주 묻는 질문
4 질문No, 'can' is a modal verb and never changes form. You say 'he can' instead of 'he cans'.
You simply add 'not' after 'can' to make it 'cannot' or the common contraction 'can't'. Both are widely accepted in speech and writing.
No, 'can' is for the present. Use 'could' for the past tense or 'was able to' to describe a specific achievement.
It is neutral and used in almost every context. However, 'may' is often preferred in very formal requests or official permissions.
셀프 테스트
Choose the correct form to complete the sentence.
She ___ play the piano very well.
Modal verbs do not change for the third person singular.
Select the sentence that uses 'can' correctly.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Modal verbs are followed by the base form of the verb without 'to'.
Rearrange the words to form a question.
you / can / speak / English / ?
In questions, the modal verb 'can' moves to the front of the sentence.
🎉 점수: /3
Summary
Can is the essential tool for expressing what you are capable of doing right now.
- Used to express ability or capability.
- Used to ask for or grant permission.
- Followed by the base form of a verb.
Remember the base verb rule
Never add 'to' or 's' after 'can'. It is always 'can swim', not 'can to swim' or 'can swims'.
Avoid double modals
You cannot use two modal verbs together. Do not say 'I will can go', instead use 'I will be able to go'.
Politeness variations
While 'Can I...' is common, native speakers often use 'Could I...' or 'May I...' to sound more polite in formal settings.
예시
4 / 4I can swim across the lake.
Je sais nager à travers le lac.
Can I use your phone, please?
Puis-je utiliser votre téléphone, s'il vous plaît ?
You can leave whenever you want.
Tu peux partir quand tu veux.
Heavy rain can cause flooding.
Les fortes pluies peuvent causer des inondations.
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alive
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all
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