Can & Can’t (Ability and Permission)

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A1 (Beginner)Grammar

Can & Can’t (Ability and Permission)

Use can and can't to talk about what you are able to do and what you are allowed to do — one easy form for every subject. Beginner grammar with 20 questions.

We use can to talk about ability (things we are able to do) and permission (things we are allowed to do). It is one of the easiest and most useful words in English — because it never changes its form.

The good news: “can” is the same for everyone

Unlike most verbs, can does not add -s for he/she/it. And the verb after it is always the plain base form (no -s, no -ing, no to).

Subject can + base verb
I / you / we / they I can swim.
he / she / it She can swim. (NOT “cans”)
One form, every subjectSay “Aisha can read,” not “Aisha cans read.” And “She can speak,” not “She can speaks” or “She can to speak.”

Ability

  • Omar can speak three languages.
  • Aisha can play the piano.
  • Yusuf can ride a bicycle.

Negative: can’t (cannot)

The negative is cannot, and the short form is can’t.

  • I can’t swim very well.
  • Yusuf can’t drive — he is only nine!

Questions

To ask, put can before the subject.

Question Short answers
Can you swim? Yes, I can. / No, I can’t.
Can Aisha cook? Yes, she can. / No, she can’t.

Permission

We also use can to ask for and give permission — it sounds friendly and natural.

  • Can I ask a question? — Yes, of course you can.
  • You can use your dictionary in this lesson.
  • You can’t use your phone during the test.
Tutor tip for Arabic speakersA very common slip is adding “to” after can: “I can to swim.” In English, can is followed straight by the base verb — no “to”: “I can swim.” Also remember it never takes -s, even for he/she.
Common mistakes

  • She cans drive. → She can drive.
  • I can to swim. → I can swim.
  • He can plays football. → He can play football.

Practise “can” with the 20 questions below.

Check your understanding

Answer the questions below. You will see instantly if you are right.

1."Omar ___ speak three languages."
can + base verb, no -s.
2."She ___ swim." (ability)
can never adds -s: she can swim.
3.Which is correct?
can + base verb, no -s.
4.Which is correct?
No "to" after can.
5.Which is correct?
can + base verb: can play.
6.The negative short form of "cannot" is:
cannot → can't.
7."Yusuf ___ drive. He is only nine."
He is not able to: can't.
8.Make a question: "___ you swim?"
Put can first: Can you swim?
9.Answer: "Can Aisha cook?" (yes)
Yes, she can.
10.Answer: "Can you drive?" (no)
No, I can't.
11.Ask permission politely:
Can I...? asks for permission.
12."You ___ use your phone during the test." (not allowed)
Not allowed = can't.
13."___ I use a dictionary?" — "Yes, of course you can."
Can I...? for permission.
14."They ___ come to the party." (ability/allowed)
can + base verb.
15.Which sentence shows ability?
"can play the piano" describes an ability.
16.Which sentence asks for permission?
"Can I open...?" asks permission.
17."My grandmother ___ use a computer very well."
can, no -s even for she.
18.Complete: "We ___ meet on Monday." (able to)
can + base verb.
19."Sorry, I ___ help you right now." (not able)
Not able = can't.
20.Choose the correct word order:
Subject + can + base verb + rest: You can park here.

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