how and when we use can

1. Can / Can’t
USE & FORM

2. FORM
AFFIRMATIVE FORM
subject + can + verb
Example: I can go to the cinema tonight

3. FORM
NEGATIVE FORM
subject + can’t + verb
cannot
Example: I can’t speak Chinese
QUESTION FORM
can + subject + verb?
Example: can you open that window?
REMEMBER: “can” and “can’t” are never followed
by “to”
She can to play the guitar

4. USE
ABILITY: we use “can” to express that we know
how to do something.
Example: I can swim
POSSIBILITY: we use “can” to express that it’s
possible for us to do something, we aren’t busy.
Example: I can’t go to your house
HELP: we use “can” to ask for help.
Example: Can you help me?