can could may might

Can Could May Might

– Ability, Possibility, Permission

The words “can” and “can’t” (cannot) are used in three main ways in English.

  1. Ability – To talk about skills or things someone can do.
  2. Possibility – To say if something is possible or not.
  3. Permission – To ask for or give approval to do something.

1. Ability

Skill or Capacity: Can Could May Might

  • Can” shows that someone has the skill or power to do something.
  • Can’t” means they do not have that ability.

Examples:

  1. She can swim very well. (She has the skill)
  2. He can speak three languages. (He knows how to)
  3. I can’t lift this box; it’s too heavy. (I don’t have the strength)
  4. Birds can fly, but penguins can’t. (Natural ability vs. limitation)
  5. My sister can play the guitar beautifully. (She has the skill to play the guitar)

Read also: Worksheet-Future Simple Tense

Read also: Worksheet Modal verbs

Read also: 200 Idioms in English

Read also: Worksheet – Past simple

Read also: Exclamatory sentence worksheet

Note: For future ability, we use ‘will be able to’ instead of “can.”

  • After practice, you will be able to play better. (Not: ‘you can play better’ in future tense.)

2. Possibility

Something Is or Isn’t Possible: Can Could May Might

“Can” and “Can’t” also express whether something is possible or not.

Examples:

  1. It can rain tomorrow. (It’s possible)
  2. You can find good food at that restaurant. (It’s likely)
  3. He can’t be at home; his car isn’t here. (It’s not possible)
  4. This can’t be true! (I don’t believe it’s possible)
  5. She can’t be serious about quitting her job. (It’s not possible)

Difference from “may”.

  • ‘Can’ – general possibility (Example: Snakes can be dangerous.)
  • ‘May’ – uncertain but allowed (Example: It may rain later.)

3. Permission

Asking or Giving Approval: Can Could May Might

  • “Can” is often used to ask for or give permission (though “may” is more formal).
  • “Can’t” means something is not allowed.

Examples:

  • Can I eat these butter toasts?
  • Why not? You can eat all of them if you like.
  • Could I use your phone, Please?
  • May I go to the medical room, Ma’am?
  1. Can I borrow your pen? (Asking for permission)
  2. You can leave early today. (Giving permission)
  3. Students can’t use phones in class. (Not allowed)
  4. Sorry, you can’t park here. (It’s forbidden)
  5. We can’t eat in the library. (Not allowed)

Formal vs. Informal

Casual – Examples

  • Can I go to the bathroom?
  • Can we grab a snack?
  • Can I ask you something?
  • Can you help me with this?
  • Can I come in?

Formal/Polite – Examples

  • May I go to the bathroom?
  • May we schedule a meeting?
  • May I inquire about the status?
  • May I have your attention, please?
  • May I offer my assistance?

Common Mistakes & Fixes: Can Could May Might

  1. Can in this sentence is ambiguous. It could mean either:
  2. Incorrect: Do you have the ability? (Physical/mental capability)

                             Are you willing? (Request for help)

  • Correct: Are you able to help me?” (Clear question about ability)

               Can you help me?” (Request for permission/assistance)

Key Difference: Can Could May Might

  • Can – General ability OR polite request.
  • Able to – Specific ability (skill, time, resources).
  • Can’t” (cannot) already means “not able to.”

Adding “able to” creates redundancy (double negative).

  • Incorrect: I can’t able to do it.
  • Correct: I can’t do it. (Natural, common phrasing)

               I’m not able to do it. (More formal)

Key Difference: Can Could May Might

  • Can’t – Informal, everyday speech.
  • Not able to – More formal, emphasizes inability.

When to Use “Can” vs. “Able To”

Use “Can”

  • General ability – I can swim.
  • Informal requests – Can you pass the salt?
  • Present/future ability – She can sing well.

Use “Able To”

  • Specific ability – I was able to finish the race.
  • Formal/polite – Will you be able to attend?
  • Past ability – He was able to fix it.

Key Points: Can Could May Might

  1. Avoid mixing ‘can’t’ + ‘able to’ → It’s redundant.
  2. Use ‘able to’ for past tense → I couldn’t go’ (past) vs. I wasn’t able to go’ (more natural).
  3. ‘Can’ is more casual, while ‘able to’ sounds slightly more formal.

Summary Points: Can, Could, May, Might

UsageExample (Can)Example (Can’t)
AbilityShe can drive.He can’t cook.
PossibilityIt can get cold at nightThat can’t be right
PermissionCan I sit here?”You can’t smoke here

Remember

  • Ability? → Can – skill.
  • Possible? → Can – might happen.
  • Allowed? → Can – permission (but ‘may’ is more polite).

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