Can In Present Tense: 7 Facts You Should Know

Modal auxiliary verbs are the common verbs to represent “hypothetical situations”. “Can” is the most common among them. Let us discuss the usage of ‘can’ in the present tense.

The modal verb “can,” along with the root form of the main verb, is the best way to show someone’s ability or any possibility in the present tense.

Now, we are going to learn facts and explanations related to the use of “can” in the present tense.

Forms of can used in present tense –

We can use the modal auxiliary verb “can” in both affirmative and negative present tense sentence. Let us go through two forms of “can” in present tense.

Example – I can swim better than any of my friends, but only in the pond in my village.

Explanation –

The modal auxiliary verb ‘can’ is used to show ‘possible ability or the determination of the speaker in the present mode of tense.

How can is used in present tense?

We use the modal auxiliary verb “can” in three types of sentences in the present tense. We will now check the formation of three types of sentences.

Explanation –

In the first two examples, the modal auxiliary verb “can” has been placed just after the subject, and in the third example, the modal auxiliary verb “can” has been placed at the beginning of the sentence while the subject comes just after the modal auxiliary verb.

When can is used in present tense?

The modal auxiliary verb “can” is used in the present tense to show some particular situations. A list of situations is given below.

1. To show “ability”
2. To show “inability”
3. To ask for “permission”
4. To give “permission”
5. To deny any “permission”
6. To show “open possibility”
7. To do “inquiry”
8. To show “refusal”

Example – You cannot come to visit my private chamber without any prior intimation.

Explanation –

The modal verb “can” is in use to show “denial of permission” in this negative present tense. We should mark the use of the base form or root form of the verb “come” is in use to show the present mode of tense.

Why can is used in present tense?

Every type of modal verb has its own set of uses. The modal verb “can” has its own specific below-listed reasons.

The word “can” is mainly used along with the root form of the main verb in a present-tense sentence .

Example – Can I come in to submit my curriculum vitae for the ongoing interview?

Explanation –

The modal auxiliary verb “can” is in use to “ask permission” from the addressed person.

Formula and structure of can used in present tense –

We can divide present tense sentences with the modal auxiliary verb “can” in three different structures. Let us look at them.

Example – I can speak three Indian languages along with Indian sign language.

Explanation –

In this affirmative present-tense sentence, the speaker is showing his or her ability to speak both verbal and non-verbal language with the help of modal auxiliary verb “can”.

Examples of can used in present tense –

Examples and explanations of present tense sentences with “can” will make your knowledge easy and concrete.

Examples of “can” in the present tense are discussed below.

Conclusion –

We must note the point that the traditional negative form of the modal auxiliary verb “can” is “cannot”. We must write “cannot” as a single entity and must not write with a gap in between. Normally, we use “can’t” as the negative form of “can” in our spoken English.