A1Modal verbs10 min
Can and can't for ability
Say what people are able to do, ask about abilities and give short answers.
We use can to say that someone is able to do something. We use can't or cannot to say that they are not able to do it. Cannot is written as one word. Can has the same form for every subject: I can, she can, they can.
| Form | Example | How to make it |
|---|---|---|
| Positive | Mina can swim. | can + base verb |
| Negative | Kofi can't cook. | can't or cannot + base verb |
| Question | Can you ride a bike? | can + subject + base verb |
| Short answers | Yes, I can. / No, I can't. | no main verb |
| Question word | What languages can you speak? | question word + can + subject + base verb |
How well?
We often add words to say how well someone can do something: very well, quite well or a little. These words usually come at the end of the sentence.
- Jamal can play the guitar very well.
- My grandmother can't use a computer, but she can knit.
- Can your brother drive? No, he can't.
- I can speak Italian a little.
- I can't hear you. The music is too loud.
Exercise 1 of 2
Choose the correct form
Choose the correct word or words to complete each sentence.
Exercise 2 of 2
Write can or can't
Type can, can't or cannot. Add the verb in brackets when there is one. When the brackets include not, make it negative.
Sofia (speak) three languages.
I (not / swim), but I want to learn.
you ride a horse?
Can your parents use a smartphone? — Yes, they .
Kofi (not / play) football today. His foot hurts.
Our cat (climb) trees very quickly.
Can Mina drive? — No, she .
How many languages your teacher speak?
Source
Original lesson by Joy English.
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