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I can or I know

I CAN...?  I KNOW...?? 

1. Being capable of doing something + infinitive  is often expressed with CAN + infinitive without TO  especially when it deals with usual physical or intellectual activities.

- Peter is five, he can swim and he can already speak two languages.

2. a) TO KNOW = to be capable of, must be followed by  HOW TO ( but not by TO only.)

- I don't know how to repair my computer...( NOT: I don't know to repair...)

   b) When KNOWING SOMETHING  means  hearing about news, hearing that or about something, 'to know'  mustn't be used in English. You must employ To HEAR THAT / HEAR ABOUT / to BE TOLD THAT / ABOUT or  to DISCOVER /to FIND OUT. 

- I was so surprised when I found out that he was the thief.

   c) TO HAVE PROBLEMS = to FACE / to BE FACING PROBLEMS.

- They've been facing many problems since her dad lost his job. 

   d) KNOWING ? when it means "to get acquainted to", "meeting someone" = GETTING TO KNOW SOMEONE,  MEETING SOMEONE.

- I got to know her when we were on the same trip, last year. 

Quick and easy, wasn't it?   Now, you're going to pass the test with flying colours!  

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1. I had a flat tyre, but didn't know how to changecan changehow can changehow changeI don't know wheels.


2. Of course I know how to doto dohow dodonecan dodoingI don't know CPR (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation)... I'm a volunteer at Red Cross and I think every citizen should know it.


3. I know to speakcan speakknow speakingknow speakI don't know a little Italian and I tried to learn Turkish. Yet, can't speak it at all. It's difficult!


4. 'Mom, you know I don't know readingdon't know to readcan't readknow not readI don't know yet; can you read this new book for me, please?


5. My father is an artist, but I don't take after him... I can't drawcan't to drawknew not drawingknow not drawI don't know at all.


6. Yes, he can to usecan usingknows how toknow to useI don't know use a compass... He's been a scout for years!


7. Have you hearingknown heardcan you heardheard thatI don't know 'Coldplay' are releasing a new album soon? Oh, I didn't know that, I'll buy it as soon as it's out.


8. My friend has hearinghas heardhas knownhas been facinghas been knowingI don't know huge problems since his wife left him. He's quite depressed.


9. Of course I can swimknow to swimcan to swimknow swimmingI don't know ! I'm a real dolphin!


10. She doesn't really can to raiseknow how to raiseknow to raisecan raisingI don't know her kids... She's much too lenient and they are real bullies.