Can / Can't for beginners
A1Use can to talk about ability, permission, and possibility. Use can't when something is not possible or someone is not able to do it.
Exercise 1 (Easy): Choose can or can't
Choose the correct word: can or can't.
Exercises:
1
My little brother is only two, so he ___ read long books yet.
2
I ___ swim very well because I go to the pool every week.
3
We ___ play football in the park after school today.
4
My grandmother ___ drive a car, so my dad takes her shopping.
5
You ___ sit here if you want to be closer to the teacher.
6
It is very dark in this room, and I ___ see the board clearly.
7
Emma ___ speak English and Polish at home.
8
We ___ be late today because the lesson starts in five minutes.
9
My cat ___ open the door, but it often tries.
10
I ___ help you with your homework after dinner.
Can / Can't for Ability & Permission
One simple modal verb that stays the same for every subject, with no exceptions.
Affirmative
Subject+can+verb+rest
✅
I can swim.
✅
She can drive.
✅
He can cook.
✅
They can help.
Negative
Subject+can't / cannot+verb
✅
He can't fly.
✅
They cannot wait.
✅
I can't come tonight.
✅
We can't see anything.
Question
Can+subject+verb+?
✅
Can you help me?
✅
Can she cook?
✅
Can I leave now?
✅
Can they come?
Short answers: Yes, I can. / No, I can't. / Yes, she can. / No, she can't.
Key rule: same for ALL subjects
No -s for he/she/it. Can never changes.
| Subject | Positive | Negative |
|---|---|---|
| I | I can swim | I can't swim |
| you | You can drive | You can't drive |
| he / she / it | She can cook | He can't fly |
| we / they | They can help | We can't wait |
Three uses of can
Ability
✅
I can swim.
✅
She can speak French.
Permission
✅
Can I leave?
✅
You can use my pen.
Request
✅
Can you help me?
✅
Can you open the window?
Warning: After can always use the infinitive WITHOUT "to".
✅
I can swim.
❌
I can to swim.