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.
| Sentence Structure | Example |
|---|---|
| Verb Can + Subject = Question | Can he speak English? |
| Subject + Verb Can = Statement | He can speak English. |
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.
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