This document defines modal verbs and provides examples of how to use the modal verb "can". It explains that modal verbs express ability, possibility and necessity, and are always used with another verb in base form. Some uses of "can" covered include general ability, asking permission, making requests, expressing possibility, and inability using "can't". It reminds readers that the main verb following a modal verb is in base form. Examples are given of using "can" with different subjects and the verb "to play". Credit is given to the institution.

1. Elaborado por:
Sandrine Lafontant Diaz
Educación a Distancia

2. Let’s start by defining a modal verb.
A modal verb is a verb that expresses ability, possibility and
necessity.
A modal verb cannot be used as a main verb or alone, It will always
need another verb to define the action. The verb that follows the
modal verb goes in the BASE FORM.

3. The verb CAN is a modal verb and we can use it in different
situations.
When we use CAN in a sentence we are referring to the Present or
the Future.
Let’s look at the different uses of the modal verb CAN:

4. USE Example Spanish
General ability (present) I can swim very well Puedo nadar muy bien
Asking for permission
(informal)
Can i go to the party
tonight?
¿Puedo ir a la fiesta en la
noche?
Request something Can you help me please? Me podrías ayudar, por
favor?
Possibility It can be very dangerous. Puede ser muy peligroso
Cannot (= can’t) You can’t go in the room. No puedes entrar en el
cuarto.

5. REMEMBER:
When we use a modal verb we have to remember that the main
verb will be in BASE FORM. For example:
To play
I can play
You can play
She can play
He can play
It can play
You can play
We can play
They can play

6. Créditos
Tecnológico nacional de México
Tecnológico de Estudios Superiores de
Cuautitlán Izcalli
Coordinación del Área de
Educación a Distancia