Past, Present and Future forms of "Can"

[Maheshkumar]

I want to know what is the future form of "Can"

For Past-
I couldn't do that exercise.

For present-
I can do that exercise.

For Future ?[/b]

[Alan]

Hi,

'Can' is a so called defective verb because it doesn't have a complete set of principal parts as do other verbs - no infinitive. past/present participle. The same is true of other similar verb forms like 'may' 'must' and so on. In order to create a future idea we have to use a substitute construction. In the case of 'can' we use 'be able to', which expresses the same idea. In this case we say: I shall/will able to do/I'll be able to do that exercise.

Alan
_________________
English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Present Simple

[Maheshkumar]

Hi Alan,
I am satisfied with your feedback.

But is this will be wrong if I say: I can be do that exercise? Is this repalce the sentence: I will be able to so that exercise.

Please guide me.

Thanks very much for your sport.
with Regards,
Mahesh

[Mister Micawber]

.
No, you cannot use any verb in that structure, Mahesh.
.
_________________
Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[Itisyourfriend]

We can express 'can' in future form in this way :

I can do this sum. - Present

I could do this sum. - Past

I would be able to do this sum - Future

[Itisyourfriend]

We can express 'can' in future form in this way :

I can do this sum. - Present

I could do this sum. - Past

I would be able to do this sum - Future