can
can means “can: ability and permission — I can swim. / Can I ...?”. can + base verb expresses ability (I can swim) or asks politely (Can you help me. Formation: can + V (base form; same for all persons)
can: ability and permission — I can swim. / Can I ...?
A1Formation
can + V (base form; same for all persons)
Explanation
can + base verb expresses ability (I can swim) or asks politely (Can you help me? Can I sit here?). The form never changes: he can (no -s), and the next verb has no to: I can swim, not I can to swim. Negative: can't / cannot.
Examples
Note
can't is the everyday negative; cannot is one word and a bit formal.
FAQ
can — what does it mean and how is it used?
can: ability and permission — I can swim. / Can I ...?. can + base verb expresses ability (I can swim) or asks politely (Can you help me? Can I sit here?). The form never changes: he can (no -s), and the next verb has no to: I can swim, not I can to swim. Negative: can't / cannot.
can — how do you form it?
can + V (base form; same for all persons)
can — any usage notes?
can't is the everyday negative; cannot is one word and a bit formal.