Je peux nager.
English: I can swim.
- Language
- French
- Level
- A0
- Unit
- Mots outils et verbes essentiels
- Practice types
- 0
What this grammar point covers
A verb used to say someone can or cannot do something.
When to use it
Use it to express ability, possibility, or to ask for permission.
Key forms
- je peux + infinitive
- tu peux + infinitive
- il/elle peut + infinitive
- nous pouvons + infinitive
- je ne peux pas + infinitive
- peux-tu + infinitive ?
Examples
Elle ne peut pas conduire.
English: She can't drive yet.
Peux-tu m'aider ?
English: Can you help me?
Puis-je ouvrir la fenêtre ?
English: Can I open the window?
Tips
- The verb 'pouvoir' changes with the subject (je peux, tu peux, il peut...).
- Use the infinitive form of the main verb after 'pouvoir'.
- For formal requests, use 'puis-je' for 'can I'.
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