Can, can’t – ability, possibility, permission

Explanations / A1 Grammar Explanations / Can, can’t – ability, possibility, permission
Exercises Explanation Downloads

  • Can, can’t: Grammar chart

    Grammar chart displaying the form and use of modal verbs 'can' and 'can't' for expressing ability, permission, and possibility, with correct and incorrect example sentences.

    Download full-size image from Pinterest

    Can, can’t: Form

    Infinitive without to

    We use can + infinitive without to.

    • I can swim.
    • I can to swim.
    • We can’t come.
    • We can’t to come.

    Don’t use -s after he/she/it

    We don’t add -s after he/she/it. We use can for all persons.

    • He can swim.
    • He cans swim.

    Don’t use do/don’t

    Can is an auxiliary verb and has a negative and interrogative form. We don’t use do/don’t to make questions and negatives.

    • Can you swim?
    • Do you can swim?
    • He can’t swim.
    • He don’t can swim.

    Can, can’t: Use

    Ability

    We use can/can’t to talk about ability in the present (=things that we know how to do).

    • Laura can sing very well. 
    • I can’t speak German. 

    Possibility

    We use can/can’t to ask for permission or to say if something is possible or not.

    • Can I sit here?
    • You can’t vote if you aren’t 18 years old. 
    • I’m sorry, but I can’t come to the party. 

    Ask for something

    We use can/can’t to ask for something and to order in bars, restaurants, shops, etc.

    • Can you lend me some money?
    • Can I have some water, please?
    • Can I have a burger and a soda?

Related tests: