She can speak three languages.

Meaning: This sentence tells us that the person can communicate in three different languages.

Choice of Words: She is the person being talked about. Can is used to show ability or permission. Speak means to produce words or sounds in order to communicate. Three is the number. Languages are the systems of communication used by different groups of people.

Alternative Expressions

She speaks three languages.

Meaning: This sentence is similar to the first one, but it uses the present tense of the verb "speak" instead of "can speak". It means that the female person is currently able to communicate using words in three different languages.

Choice of Words: She refers to a female person who is the subject of the sentence. Speaks is the main verb that means to use words to communicate. Three is a number that tells us how many languages she can speak. Languages are systems of communication that include words, grammar, and pronunciation.

She knows three languages.

Meaning: This sentence is a bit different from the first two. It tells us that the female person has knowledge or understanding of three different languages. It doesn't necessarily mean that she can speak all three languages, but she is familiar with them.

Choice of Words: She refers to a female person who is the subject of the sentence. Knows is a verb that means to have knowledge or understanding of something. Three is a number that tells us how many languages she knows. Languages are systems of communication that include words, grammar, and pronunciation.

Related Expressions