【Grade 7 English】 Let’s Master the Magical New Word "can"!
Hello everyone! So far, we’ve learned how to write sentences like "I am..." or "I play...". Now, we’re going to learn about a magical word that adds extra power to your sentences: the auxiliary verb "can"!
Once you learn how to use "can," you’ll be able to introduce your special talents or ask others what they can do, which will really open up your English world. It might seem tricky at first, but don't worry—the rules are super simple!
1. The Basic Rules of "can": Placement and Form
"Can" is an "auxiliary verb," which means it has the role of helping a main verb (a word that expresses an action).
【Point 1: Placement】
Always place "can" right before the verb.
Example: I play the piano.
↓ If we add "can"...
I can play the piano.
【Point 2: Verbs must stay in their "original form"】
This is the most important rule! The verb that comes after "can" must always be in its original form. Even if the subject is "He" or "She," do not add an 's'.
Example: She plays tennis.
↓ If we add "can"...
She can play tennis. (Notice it becomes play, not plays!)
★ Summary:
Remember the order: Subject + can + verb (original form)!
2. Saying You "Cannot" Do Something (Negative Sentences)
When you want to say you "cannot" do something, just add not after "can."
【Writing Styles】
1. cannot (The most formal. Always write it as one word.)
2. can't (The contraction. We use this a lot in conversation.)
※ Both are correct, but in junior high, you’ll mostly use can't.
Example: I can't swim.
Example: He cannot speak Japanese.
💡 Tip
"Cannot" is written as one single word. Writing it as two words ("can not") is very rare, so make sure to keep it together for your tests!
3. Asking "Can you...?" (Questions)
When you want to ask someone, "Can you do this?", all you need to do is move can to the very front of the sentence!
Example: Can you play soccer?
Here is how you answer:
Yes: Yes, I can.
No: No, I can't.
【How to make a question: Step-by-Step】
1. Normal sentence: You can cook.
2. Move "can" to the front: Can you cook?
3. Add a "?" at the end!
★ Summary:
Start your questions with Can + subject + verb (original form) ~?
4. Making Requests with "Can you...?"
Besides asking about ability, you can also use "Can you...?" when you want to ask someone to do something for you. It’s a super handy phrase for daily life!
Example: Can you open the window?
How to respond: Sure!, OK!, or I'm sorry, I can't. (if you can't help)
5. Common Mistakes (Check these out!)
Let’s look at the mistakes that often show up on tests.
× Wrong Example 1: I am can swim.
○ Correct: I can swim.
(Explanation: You don't use "be" verbs like am/is/are together with "can." Pick one or the other!)
× Wrong Example 2: He can speaks English.
○ Correct: He can speak English.
(Explanation: Never add an 's' to the verb after "can." The "third-person singular s" rule takes a day off!)
★ Final Advice
It might help to remember that "can" sounds like a "can" of soda! You could imagine that you have a "can" full of the power to do things inside of you. Practice saying it out loud: I can do it! Keep going, you've got this!