FluencyLab
GrammarHub
Use can and can't to talk about ability, permission, and things that are possible in a simple, direct way.
Overview
Use can and can't to talk about ability, permission, and things that are possible in a simple, direct way.
Form and rules
Use can + base verb with all subjects: I can swim, she can swim. Never add -s after can.
Use can't/cannot + base verb for the negative.
Use Can + subject + base verb...? for questions.
Use can for ability: He can drive. Use Can I...? to ask permission.
Short answers are Yes, I can / No, I can't.
A closer look
Can expresses ability, possibility, and permission. It has the same form for all subjects and is followed directly by the base verb.
Questions put can before the subject. The negative is cannot or can't. Do not use do/does with can.
Examples
I can speak Portuguese.
My baby can't walk yet.
Can your brother cook?
Can I use your charger?
Yes, you can.
Common mistakes
A modal verb is followed by the base form.
Questions with can do not use do/does.
Ready to practise?
The test combines multiple choice, gap completion, error correction, and sentence building so students have to recognise and produce the grammar, not simply reread the rule.