Uses of can Flashcards
(2) To suggest actions to be done
(2) We use “can” to suggest actions to be done.
You can call your colleagues to let them know that you will be late.
(1) To express ability
(1) We use “can” to say what people and things are able to do. It is followed by the base form of a verb: “can” + base form of the verb.
David can speak four languages.
This elevator can carry fifteen people.
(3) The negative form of “can”
(3) We use “cannot” to say what people and things are not able to do. The contraction of “cannot” is “can’t.”
I cannot go to work today. I feel sick.
That machine can’t run without electricity.
(4) The negative form of “can”
(4) We use “cannot” or “can’t” to express that an action should not be done.
You cannot be late for the meeting tomorrow. We want to hear your report right away.
(5) Summary
The modal “can” is used to express ability. It is usually followed by the base form of the verb: “can” + base form of the verb.
Here are the uses of “can”:
Express what people and things are able to do.
David can speak four languages.
Suggest actions to be done.
You can call your colleagues to let them know that you will be late.
The negative form “cannot” or “can’t” may be used to:
Say what people and things are not able to do.
I cannot go to work.
Suggest actions that should not be done.
You can’t be late for the meeting tomorrow.
David puede hablar cuatro idiomas.
David can speak four languages.
Este ascensor tiene capacidad para quince personas.
This elevator can carry fifteen people.
Puedes llamar a tus compañeros para avisarles que llegarás tarde.
You can call your colleagues to let them know that you will be late.
No puedo ir a trabajar hoy. Me siento enferma.
I cannot go to work today. I feel sick.
Esa máquina no puede funcionar sin electricidad.
That machine can’t run without electricity.
No puedes llegar tarde a la reunión de mañana. Queremos escuchar su informe de inmediato.
You cannot be late for the meeting tomorrow. We want to hear your report right away.
hold / held / held (v.)
mantener / tener / celebrar / sujetar / sostener / ocupar / albergar
Lana es instructora de baile. Ella enseña ballet. Sabe bailar y enseñar a la gente a bailar ballet.
Lana is a dance instructor. She teaches ballet. She can dance and teach people how to dance ballet.
Fred es un jugador de béisbol profesional. Él es el lanzador de su equipo. Puede lanzar pelotas muy rápido.
Fred is a professional baseball player. He is the pitcher for their team. He can throw balls very fast.
Kelly es piloto. Ella puede pilotar aviones.
Kelly is a pilot. She can fly planes.
