How to Master Can I in English61

Can I is a modal verb that is used to express permission, ability, possibility, or advice. It is followed by the base form of the main verb.

Permission

Can I is used to ask for permission to do something. The response to a request for permission is usually "yes" or "no."

Example:

Can I borrow your pen?
Yes, you can.

Ability

Can I is used to express ability. The response to a statement of ability is usually "yes" or "no."

Example:

Can I speak English?
Yes, you can.

Possibility

Can I is used to express possibility. The response to a statement of possibility is usually "yes" or "no."

Example:

Can I win the lottery?
Yes, you can.

Advice

Can I is used to give advice. The response to a statement of advice is usually "thank you."

Example:

Can I give you some advice?
Thank you.

Negative Form

The negative form of can I is can't I. Can't I is used to express lack of permission, ability, possibility, or advice.

Example:

Can't I borrow your pen?
No, you can't.

Interrogative Form

The interrogative form of can I is can I. Can I is used to ask a question. The response to a question with can I is usually "yes" or "no."

Example:

Can I help you?
Yes, you can.

Here are some additional tips for using can I in English:
Can I is followed by the base form of the main verb.
Can I can be used in all tenses.
Can I is a modal verb and therefore does not need to agree with the subject in number or person.
Can I is often used in contractions, such as "can't" and "can't I."

With practice, you can master the use of can I in English.

2025-02-08

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