Think you've mastered every nuance of "can"? Dive into our modal verb can quiz - a targeted modal verb quiz to test your skills! This free, interactive English modal verb test gives instant feedback and clear explanations to polish your verb can exercises. Tailored for grammar lovers of all levels, you'll tackle real-life examples, spot common mistakes, and practice modal can usage in context at your own pace. Try our modal verbs quiz for more challenge and reinforce your skills with modal verbs practice . Ready to boost your confidence? Enjoy the challenge and watch your skills soar. Get started now!
I ____ swim very well.
can
may
must
should
The modal verb ‘can’ is used to express ability in the present tense. In this sentence, the speaker is indicating their skill in swimming. Neither ‘may’, ‘must’, nor ‘should’ correctly convey ability. Read more.
____ I leave for a moment?
Can
May
Must
Shall
Here ‘can’ is used to ask for informal permission. While ‘may’ is more formal, most speakers use ‘can’ in everyday conversation. ‘Must’ expresses obligation and ‘shall’ suggests futurity or offers. More info.
He ____ drive yet because he's only 15.
can't
don't can
didn't can
couldn't
The contraction 'can't' is the correct negative form of 'can' in the present tense. 'Don't can' and 'didn't can' misapply auxiliary rules and are grammatically incorrect. 'Couldn't' denotes past inability and does not fit the present context. Learn more.
It ____ rain this afternoon, so take an umbrella.
can
could
must
will
The modal verb 'can' is used here to indicate a general possibility. 'Could' often implies a conditional or past possibility, 'must' shows obligation, and 'will' indicates a definite future event. Therefore 'can' is the best choice to express possibility. Details on using can.
____ you help me move this table?
Can
May
Will
Must
Using 'can' at the beginning of a question is a common way to make an informal request. 'May' is more formal and 'will' asks about willingness. 'Must' is not used for polite requests. See grammar notes.
When I was younger, I ____ run a mile in under six minutes.
can
could
will
may
The modal 'could' is used to describe past ability. 'Can' describes present ability, 'will' refers to the future, and 'may' indicates permission or possibility. Here, the speaker talks about a skill they had in the past. Compare can vs. could.
____ you pass the salt, please?
Could
Can
Will
Would
‘Could’ is a polite form of request. While ‘can’ is also used, ‘could’ is more courteous. ‘Will’ asks about willingness and ‘would’ is often followed by another verb such as 'you'. Polite requests guide.
She asked if she ____ stay out late, but her parents said no.
can
could
may
might
In reported speech, ‘could’ is the past form of ‘can’ when talking about permission. 'Can' would be used in direct speech. 'May' is formal permission and 'might' suggests a weaker possibility. Reported speech with could.
Driving without a license ____ result in a fine.
can
will
should
might
Here ‘can’ is used to show a possible consequence or outcome. 'Will' indicates a definite result, 'should' gives advice, and 'might' expresses a weaker possibility. 'Can' fits as a general potential. More on can for possibility.
You ____ use my phone if you need to.
can
may
have to
ought to
‘Can’ is used to grant permission in an informal context. 'May' is more formal, 'have to' indicates obligation, and 'ought to' gives advice. Here the speaker is offering permission. Permission with can.
Not only can she speak French, ____ English fluently.
but also
and also
also
but
With correlative conjunctions, 'not only... but also' is the correct pair. It adds parallel emphasis to abilities. 'And also' is redundant, 'also' alone breaks the parallel structure, and 'but' is incomplete. Correlative conjunctions.
Smoking ____ cause lung cancer.
can
must
will
may
In health statements, 'can' expresses that something is possible as a general fact. 'Must' implies necessity, 'will' indicates certainty, and 'may' is a weaker possibility. Scientific warnings often use 'can' to show risk. Usage of can for possibility.
I ____ help laughing at his joke.
can't
don't
won't
needn't
The phrase 'can't help' is an idiom meaning one is unable to resist an action or feeling. 'Don't', 'won't', and 'needn't' do not form this idiom. The correct structure is 'can't help' followed by a gerund. Cannot help doing.
You can swim, ____ you?
can't you
can you
do you
didn't you
After a positive statement with 'can', the question tag is 'can't you?' Tag questions reverse the polarity. 'Can you?' would follow a negative statement. 'Do you?' or 'didn't you?' do not match the modal structure. Question tags guide.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
I can hardly wait for the concert.
I cannot hardly wait for the concert.
I can't not wait for the concert.
I hardly can wait for the concert.
The idiom 'can hardly wait' correctly expresses eagerness; using 'cannot hardly' creates a double negative. 'Can't not wait' and 'hardly can wait' both misplace or misuse the modal and adverb. 'I can hardly wait' is the standard form. Learn more.
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Study Outcomes
Apply 'can' to express ability, permission, and possibility -
Use 'can' accurately in various contexts to discuss abilities, permissions, and possibilities.
Differentiate between affirmative, negative, and interrogative structures -
Recognize key differences between positive, negative, and question forms of 'can' for clear communication.
Identify and correct common errors in 'can' usage -
Spot frequent mistakes when using 'can' and apply corrections to avoid misunderstandings.
Construct well-formed sentences using 'can' -
Build correct affirmative, negative, and interrogative sentences with 'can' to improve fluency.
Evaluate sentence accuracy in quiz scenarios -
Assess your own responses in the modal verb can quiz to gauge your mastery of modal verb usage.
Strengthen modal verb proficiency with targeted exercises -
Engage with verb can exercises that reinforce your understanding and boost grammar confidence.
Cheat Sheet
Ability vs. Possibility -
According to Cambridge University, "can" expresses both physical or mental capacity and theoretical chance. For example, "She can solve complex problems" (ability) versus "It can snow in April" (possibility). Remember: ability = "I can do it now"; possibility = "It can happen."
Permission & Requests -
Oxford Learner's Dictionary shows "can" is common for informal permission and friendly requests. You might say, "Can I borrow your notes?" or "Can you help me study?" to sound approachable and polite. Swap to "may" for a more formal tone in professional contexts.
Negative Forms & Questions -
University of Manchester grammar guidelines explain that "can" contracts to "can't" for negatives and inverts in questions. For instance, "He can't attend class" versus "Can he attend class?" helps distinguish statements from inquiries. Consistent practice with inversion cements this pattern.
Past Ability with "Could" -
British Council resources note that "could" is the past-tense counterpart of "can" for abilities. A mnemonic trick: "Could is old can." Example: "When I was ten, I could run five miles." Use this to avoid mixing present and past contexts.
Avoiding Double Modals -
Purdue OWL cautions learners against stacking modals (e.g., "can must") in a single clause. Stick to one modal per verb phrase: "She can go" or "She must go," never "She can must go." This rule ensures clarity and grammatical accuracy.
