Distinguishing Between Will & Can

Will and Can are two auxiliary verbs that are often confused when it comes to their usage. Strictly speaking, they are different in their usage and application. The auxiliary verb ‘will’ is used primarily in the future tense. On the other hand, the verb ‘can’ is used in the sense of ‘ability’.

Key Takeaways

• The verb ‘will’ is used in the future tense and indicates certainty.
• The verb ‘can’ is used to express ability and is in the present tense form.
• The past tense form of ‘can’ is ‘could’, while ‘will’ is the future form of the verb ‘to be’.

In other words, the verb ‘can’ indicates ‘ability’, but it does not indicate future tense as ‘will’ does. This is the main difference between the two words. Take a look at the following sentences.
1. Francis will come tomorrow to my house.
2. Lucy will marry Robert.
In both the sentences, the verb ‘will’ is used in the future tense. It interesting to note that the verb ‘will’ also indicates ‘certainty’, in addition to expressing something in the future. As such, the meaning of the second sentence would be ‘Francis is certain to come tomorrow to my house’, and the meaning of the second sentence would be ‘Lucy is certain to marry Robert’ or ‘Lucy is certainly going to marry Robert’.

On the other hand, observe the two sentences,
1. Francis can do the work successfully.
2. Angela can cook very well indeed.
In both the sentences, the word ‘can’ is used in the sense of ‘ability’, and hence, the meaning of the first sentence would be ‘Francis has the ability to do the work successfully’, and the meaning of the second sentence would be ‘Angela has the ability to cook very well indeed’.

It is interesting to note that the verb ‘will’ is the future form of the verb ‘to be’. On the other hand, the verb ‘can’ is the present tense form. Its past tense form is ‘could’. These are the important differences between the two verbs, namely, will and can.