Noha
what's the past participle tense of "can" ? Hi all, I know the present and the past tenses (can, could), but what about the past participle?
Apr 17, 2020 4:53 PM
Answers · 5
Can has no past participle
April 17, 2020
Hello Noha, '' can'' is a modal verb and unlike regular verbs it doesn't have all the other forms for different tenses, '' could'' is considered the past form of "can" , which is only one of its variable meanings, however the verb '' can'' does not really have a past participle form, instead ''be able to'' is used when past participle is needed For example : I have never been able to play the piano
April 17, 2020
Hello! Can is a modal verb. It doesn’t have all of the verb tenses. It has the past simple tense but no past participle. But if we need past participle we can use the expression to be able to
April 17, 2020
Hi Noha. It does not have a past participle. As you said, the past tense is could. If a past participle is needed, then 'be able to' is used instead. Hope this helps. Examples: Can you call me a cab? I had no idea I could learn so quickly. Since when have you been able to speak english? All the best!
April 17, 2020
it is "been able". E.g. "I have been able to meet my friends this week"
April 17, 2020
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