The verb can has only these two forms. It generally means to know or to be able; thus, I can read French, I can lift that weight. It is followed by an infinitive which shows what is known or what the subject of thought is able to do. This infinitive is the object. It is a new kind of object, you see, and can is a new kind of transitive verb (§ 41).

Occasionally can is a copulative verb. The sentence, The report cannot be true, means The report is surely not true. Here true is the predicate attribute.

Exercise 301

Explain the use of each verb and tell whether it is or is not a part of a verb phrase.

1. The baby can say a few words.

2. Can you open the door?

3. That bird cannot be a mocking bird.

4. John can solve the problem, but he will not.

5. You cannot understand me. (Two meanings).

6. I must finish these mittens to-night, for the poor child must need them.

7. Mother said that I might go to the picnic, but that it might rain before night.