Learn how to use 'can' and 'can't' to talk about ability, possibility, and permission in basic English.
Learn to use "can" and "can't" to talk about abilities and permissions. This is one of the most useful and common verbs in English for beginners.
CAN expresses ability (something you are able to do) or permission (something you are allowed to do).
Form
Can never changes: I/you/he/she/we/they can. Always use the base verb after can: 'She can swim.' ✗ 'She can swims / can swimming.'
"Can" and "can't" are modal verbs that help us talk about abilities, possibilities, and permissions. They are very easy to use because they don't change with different subjects.
• I can swim.
• She can speak Spanish.
• They can play guitar.
• We can see the mountain.
• I can't fly.
• He can't drive.
• They can't come today.
• We can't hear you.
Can or can't?
✓ Birds can fly. (ability)
✓ Fish can't walk. (no ability)
✓ Children can run. (ability)
✓ Babies can't talk. (no ability)
Imagine a boy named Tom. He is at the swimming pool with his friends. His friends jump into the water and swim across the pool.
""I can't swim," says Tom. He watches his friends from the side."
"His teacher says: "Don't worry, Tom. I can help you. Can you put your face in the water?""
"Tom tries. "Yes, I can do it!" he says with a big smile."
"After many lessons, Tom says: "Look! I can swim! I can swim to the other side!""
Tom learned that 'can't' is not forever. With practice, 'I can't' becomes 'I can!'
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The best part about "can" is that it's very simple! It doesn't change with different subjects.
Subject + can + base verb
I can speak
You can swim
She can cook
They can play
Subject + can't + base verb
I can't speak
You can't swim
He can't cook
We can't play
Can + subject + base verb
Can I speak?
Can you swim?
Can she cook?
Can they play?
Remember: "Can" is always the same! No -s, no -ed, no changes!
Complete the sentences:
1. I __________ (speak) three languages.
2. She __________ (not/dance) very well.
3. __________ you __________ (play) the guitar?
1. can speak
2. can't dance
3. Can / play
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"Can" and "can't" have three main uses. All of them are very useful for everyday English.
Things you know how to do
I can swim.
She can cook.
Asking for things
Can I go to the toilet?
Can we play here?
Things that are possible
We can meet tomorrow.
You can call me later.
Want to try a Can and Can't quiz?
Practice with multiple choice questions
These are the most common verbs used with "can" and "can't" in everyday English.
I can speak English.
She can swim fast.
He can cook pasta.
They can drive a car.
• Can you speak Spanish?
• I can cook Italian food.
• My father can drive a truck.
• Children can learn quickly.
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Ready to test your Can and Can't knowledge?
Challenge yourself with fill-in-the-blank exercises
❌ I can speaks English.
✓ I can speak English.
❌ She cans swim.
✓ She can swim.
❌ Can you to help me?
✓ Can you help me?
❌ He don't can drive.
✓ He can't drive.
❌ Do you can cook?
✓ Can you cook?
❌ We can playing football.
✓ We can play football.
Master Can and Can't sentence building!
Drag and drop words to form correct sentences
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To practice your pronunciation, listen to the native speaker audio first. Then 'Record' yourself repeating what you heard, then use the 'Playback' button to compare your pronunciation with the native speaker. If you want to record yourself again, simply click 'Delete'!
I can speak English.
She can swim very well.
We can play football.
He can't drive a car.
They can't speak Chinese.
Can you cook pasta?
Can she play the piano?
I can help you with your homework.
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