A lesson on using "can" followed by an infinitive can help

you understand how to express abilities, permissions, and

possibilities in English. Here's a breakdown of how to use
"can" with infinitives:
1. Expressing Abilities:

 We use "can" to talk about someone's ability to do

something.
 Structure: Subject + can + base form of the verb
(infinitive).
 Examples:
 She can swim.

 I can speak Spanish.

 They can play the guitar.

2. Asking for Permission:

 We can use "can" to ask for permission in a polite way.

 Structure: Can + subject + base form of the verb
(infinitive)?
 Examples:
 Can I use your phone?

 Can he come to the party?

3. Giving Permission:

 We use "can" to grant permission or give someone the

ability to do something.
 Structure: Subject + can + base form of the verb
(infinitive).
 Examples:
 You can borrow my book.

 They can stay here for the night.

4. Expressing Possibility:

 "Can" can be used to express the possibility of something

happening.
 Structure: Subject + can + base form of the verb
(infinitive).
 Examples:
 It can rain later today.

 The traffic can be heavy at this time.

5. Negative Form:

 To make negative sentences, use "can't" (cannot).

 Examples:
 I can't swim.

 She can't speak French.

6. Questions in the Negative Form:

 To form questions in the negative, use "can't" or "cannot"

at the beginning of the question.
 Examples:
 Can't you come to the meeting?

 Cannot she do it?

7. Could vs. Can:

 "Could" is the past tense of "can" and is used to express

past ability, past permission, or a more polite way of
making requests.
 Examples:
 I could swim when I was a child (past ability).

 Could I use your pen, please? (polite request).

8. Modal Verbs:

 "Can" is a modal verb, and modal verbs are used to

express different degrees of necessity, possibility,
permission, etc.
 Other modal verbs include "may," "might," "must,"
"shall," "should," "will," and "would."

Practice Exercises:

1. Create sentences using "can" to express abilities.

2. Write polite questions using "can" to request permission.
3. Respond to the following scenarios using "can" to give
permission.
4. Describe situations using "can" to express possibilities.
5. Convert the given affirmative sentences to negative and
interrogative forms using "can" or "can't."

Remember that mastering the use of "can" with infinitives

takes practice. Try to use these structures in your everyday
conversations and writing to improve your proficiency.