Explanation
Use a modal verb before the base verb. The modal stays the same for all subjects, so "can" is the same in "I can swim" and "She can swim."
In "I can swim.", "I" is the subject, "can" shows ability, and "swim" is the base verb. We do not say "I can to swim" or "I cans swim." In Japanese, you often say "泳げます" or "泳ぐことができます," but English uses one small modal word before the verb.
動詞の前に modal verb を置きます。modal verb は主語が変わっても形が変わらないので、"I can swim." でも "She can swim." でも "can" は同じです。
"I can swim." では、"I" が主語、"can" が「できる」を表す語、"swim" が動詞の原形です。"I can to swim." や "I cans swim." とは言いません。日本語では「泳げます」や「泳ぐことができます」と言いますが、英語では動詞の前に小さな助動詞を置きます。
Examples
- I can swim. 私は泳げます。
- She can cook dinner. 彼女は夕食を作れます。
- Can you help me? 手伝ってくれますか。
- We can't play outside today. 今日は外で遊べません。
- He can speak Japanese. 彼は日本語を話せます。
- You can use my phone if you need it. 必要なら私の電話を使っていいですよ。
Common Mistakes
Japanese learners often add "to" after a modal verb or add "s" to the main verb.
Wrong: "I can to swim." or "He can speaks English."
Right: "I can swim." and "He can speak English."
After a modal, use the base verb only.
日本人学習者は、modal verb の後に "to" を入れたり、動詞に "s" を付けたりしがちです。
誤: "I can to swim." や "He can speaks English."
正: "I can swim." と "He can speak English."
modal の後は動詞の原形だけを使います。