Can vs have en inglés: posesión y habilidad

Master the core English verbs to express possession, ability, permission, and instructions with confidence. After the verb “to be,” the verbs have, has, and can, plus imperative verbs, give you the power to describe what you own, what you can do, what you can’t do, and how to give clear commands.

Why are have, has and can essential?

These verbs appear in everyday communication. With them, you talk about what you possess, your abilities, and how to ask for permission. Imperatives let you give short, direct instructions without a subject.

• Use have/has for possession. Same action, different conjugation.
• Use can for ability, negatives (can’t/cannot), questions, and permission.
• Use imperatives for commands, instructions, and requests.
• Pronouns: I, you, we, they use have. He, she, it use has.

How to use have, has and can in sentences?

Focus on simple structures and clear examples. Keep sentences short. Add negatives and questions to expand your range.

How to express possession with have and has?

• I have a book. Example of possession with I.
• You have a pen. Use have with you.
• She has a car. Use has with she.
• He has a dog. Use has with he.
• Rule: have for I/you/we/they. has for he/she/it.
• Tip: same action, different conjugation by pronoun.

How to express ability, negation, questions and permission with can?

• Ability: I can swim. She can play the guitar.
• Negatives: I can’t drive. He cannot cook.
• Questions: Can you dance? Can he sing?
• Permission: Can I open the window? Can we go outside?
• Form: subject + can + base verb. For questions: Can + subject + base verb?

How to give instructions with imperative verbs?

• No subject needed: direct command + period.
• Commands: Open the door. Close the window. Sit down.
• Short calls to attention: Hey. Listen.
• Use imperatives for commands, instructions, and requests.

How to combine have, has, can and imperatives for clear communication?

Mix these forms to build stronger ideas and real interactions. Start with possession, add a question for permission, or follow a negative with a request.

• You have a book. Can I read your book?
• She has a car. Can I drive her car?
• I can’t swim. Help me.
• Practice prompts: What do you have? What can you do? What can’t you do?

Ready to practice? Share your own sentences with have/has, can/can’t, and imperatives in the comments.