Can I ask you a question? When we want to express permission, prohibition (not allowing something), obligation or no obligation we use modal verbs. The three main uses of Can are: 1) ability 2) possibility and 3) permission. Is it okay if I sit here? We use CAN to: a) talk about possibility and ability b) make requests c) ask for or give permission. 5. He asked permission to leave the room. “CAN” is used with different meanings as a modal verb. However there are some other used of Can as we will see below.. 1. 3. CAN/COULD are modal auxiliary verbs. He could swim when he was five. In reality, can likely has more use in the “permission” sense than is recorded, as it is more informal and so shows up in speech more frequently than may does. Can I sit here? You will have to get official permission first. Permission – can, may, could 'Can' is most often used to ask for or give permission but 'may' and 'could' are also possible even though they are not used as often as 'can'. They have permission to build 200 new houses. May I use your computer? Birds can fly. Both Can and Could are Modal Verbs. When asking and giving permission in English, you can use below phrases and expressions: Asking for permission: Can I use your pen, please? We use COULD to: a) talk about past possibility or ability b) make requests. She is able to speak five languages. Do you mind if I use your phone? Possibility Smoking can cause cancer. Request Can you make me tea? 2. In general Could is considered more polite (or formal) that Can.. CAN. Can I take a look at your book? Can means to be (physically) able to do something OR to know how to do something.. In this topic, you will learn how to use the modal verb Can to express ability and informal permission. Offer Can I help you with this? Use 'can' or 'be able to' to express an ability or possibility. Modal Verbs CAN, Using and Example Sentences Ability He can speak five languages. May is the more formal word, and if you are at all concerned about being tut-tutted, a safe choice. She begged permission to leave. Example: Students can register for fall classes beginning next week. Did he give you permission to take that? Example sentences with the word can. How to use can in a sentence. 6. Jack will be able to come next week. “Can” is an auxiliary verb ( modal auxiliary verb ). May I come in? 4. Permission Can I use your bike? Use 'can' to say that someone IS allowed to do something and 'cannot' or, 'can't,' to say that they do NOT have permission (are not allowed) to do something. First, you will read an extract about real people with superhuman abilities and answer some questions about it. They can come on Friday. “CAN” is one of the most commonly used modal verbs in English. 152+24 sentence examples: 1. NOTE: The future of 'be able to' is 'will be able to. can example sentences. 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