Can: Requests and permission

So, how does this little word work? Can is what we call a modal verb. That sounds fancy, but it just means it is a "helper." It helps the main action verb do its job. The best part? Can is very lazy. It never changes! You don't need to add -s, -ed, or -ing. It stays exactly the same for I, you, he, she, we, and they. Yes, even native speakers love how easy this is! It always sits right before the main action. When you want to ask a question, can just jumps to the front of the sentence. It likes to lead the way. It is like the captain of the sentence team.

1. 1Building a sentence with can is like building with blocks. Follow these simple steps:
2. 2For a request or permission, start with Can.
3. 3Put the person next (like I or you).
4. 4Use the base verb (the simplest form of the action).
5. 5Finish with the object or place.
6. 6Add a question mark at the end.
7. 7Pattern: Can + [Subject] + [Verb] + ...?
8. 8Example: Can + I + borrow + your pen?
9. 9Notice something? There is no to between can and the action. We never say "Can I to go." That is a big no-no! Just keep it clean and simple. If you want to be extra nice, add please at the end. It’s like adding sprinkles to a cupcake. It just makes everything better.

There are two main times to use this pattern. First, use it for requests. This is when you want someone to do something for you. Imagine you are at a restaurant. You are thirsty. You say, Can I have a glass of water? Or maybe you are lost in a new city. You see someone friendly. You ask, Can you help me?

Second, use it for permission. This is when you want to know if an action is allowed. Imagine you are at a party. You see a comfortable chair. You ask the host, Can I sit here? Or you are at work and want to leave early. You ask your boss, Can I leave at 4:00 PM? It is perfect for ordering food, asking for directions, or even asking for a phone number. It works in almost every casual real-world scenario you can imagine.

You shouldn't use can for everything. It is a bit like wearing sneakers. Sneakers are great for the park, but maybe not for a royal wedding. If you are in a very formal situation, like a job interview or meeting a president, can might feel too casual. In those cases, people often use could or may. Also, don't use can when talking about the past. Can is strictly for the present and the future. If you are talking about yesterday, can needs to stay home. Finally, don't use it for things that are definitely going to happen. It is for asking, not for stating facts.

Even the best learners make mistakes. One big one is the "Third Person S." People often try to say Cans he help me? No! Can is a rebel. It hates the letter s. Keep it as Can he help me?

Another trap is the "To" trap. Many people say Can I to use your phone? Remember, can and to are like oil and water. They do not mix. Just say Can I use your phone?

Lastly, don't forget the word order. In a question, can must come first. Don't say You can help me? with a rising voice. While people might understand you, it isn't technically a proper question. Say Can you help me? instead. It sounds much more natural and confident.

You might hear people say Could I... or May I... and get confused. Think of it as a scale of politeness. Can is your everyday friend. It is for family, friends, and coworkers. Could is a bit more polite. It is like putting on a nice shirt for a dinner date. May is very formal and a bit old-fashioned. It is like wearing a tuxedo to get pizza. For A1 learners, can is your best tool. It is the most common and the most useful. Once you master can, the others will feel much easier to learn later on.