In this note,let us study the use of modal verb, " CAN".
CAN is generally used with the infinitive form of a verb without. "to".
I can do
we can go there
1. Possibility
Can expresses the possibility of a person doing something.
I can translate from French into English well.
He can not speak English.
He can't speak English.
2. Williness to do something/offer
I can drive you to the railway station,if the taxi does not turn up on time.
She can't accompany you to the cinema. Her examination is tomorrow.
3. POLITE REQUEST
Can I come in?
We can use," may" also but it is more formal than, " can".
May I know who is on the line?
4. Expressing the likely truth of something.
Are you telling me that John demanded illegal gratification?
That can never be.
Don't think Jane is a very kind person. She can be cruel,at times.
5. Refusing permission to somebody.
The exam commences at 10 am. Be well in time. Even if you are late by 5 minutes,you can't write your paper.
6. Expressing doubt or surprise.
She left at 5pm. She has not yet arrived. What can she be doing something?I
7. SUGGESTION
It's boring. We can go to a film show.
8. Can is normally used with the verbs, " feel,hear,smell, taste, understand,follow, remember "
I can smell something fishy in this.
Can you follow what grandpa says?
I can't remember a thing now.
9. Can't help + gerund ( doing something )
When you say, you can't help doing something,it means that in spite of your best efforts not to do something,you are doing it.
I can't help laughing when the new teacher sings.
She can't help munching something every two hours.
10. An old fashioned use is
" can't help but do something"
I can't help but telephone my uncle every morning.
Peter can't help but do something foolish.
That is all for now.
Happy learning!
Sayee JAYARAMAN
01/03/2015
