Can you start a sentence with can?

Yes, it is correct to start a sentence with can when forming a question but it is not correct at the beginning of a statement. The rule is if the subject comes after can it is a question and if before it is a statement. 

You can start a question with can but you cannot start a sentence with can.

An alternative way around this is to substitute can with the imperative form be able to which creates a statement and not a question. This will have the exact same meaning and you can start a sentence with be able to.

Example:

“Can you leave at 6 o’clock?” You are asking them if they have the ability to leave at 6 o’clock.

“Be able to leave at 6 o’clock.” You are telling them to be able to leave at 6 o’clock.

Some auxiliary and modal verbs such as do and have which can be used to start a sentence and a question:

• Do you have the time?
• Do your homework.
• Have you got time to talk?
• Have a nice day.

But can needs a subject before it to be a correct sentence:

• I can swim.
• John can come for dinner.

If you swap the subject and the verb can it becomes a question:

• Can I swim?
• Can John come for dinner?

In conclusion, you can’t start a sentence with can but you can start a question with can. If you must, substitute can with be able to to keep the same meaning.

Author Bio

Founder of Once Upon A TEFL

Ryan Cantrell

I completed my degree in English at University College Cork in 2016 and soon after began teaching English as a foreign language. It was a way to work and travel that opened many doors and created many amazing memories. Throughout this blog, I aim to share both my travel experiences and English language expertise to help readers gain a better understanding of different cultures and the intricacies of the English language. I hope you find the content helpful and gain some benefit from it!

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