CAN AND CAN'T
Can is a modal verb.
Can is used to express ability or to say that something is possible.
Can is the same for all subjects. We don't add an 'S' in the third person (like other verbs)
The verb that comes after Can is in the infinitive without to:
- I can speak Spanish. (= it is possible for me to speak Spanish = I have the ability to speak Spanish)
- He can swim well.
- We can see my neighbour in the garden.
- They can play the guitar.
FUNCTIONS
We use 'can' to talk about 'possibility'.
- Can you do that?
- I can't manage to do that.
- You can leave your car in that parking space.
- You cannot smoke in here.
Notice that there are two negative forms: 'can't' and 'cannot'. These mean exactly the same thing. When we are speaking, we usually say 'can't'.
We use 'can' to talk about 'ability'.
- I can speak French.
- I can't drive.
We use 'can' to ask for and give permission. (We also use 'may' for this but is more formal and much less common.)
- Can I speak to you or are you too busy?
- You can use my phone.
- You can't come in.
We use 'can' in offers, requests and instructions.
- Can I help?
- Can you give me a hand?
- When you finish that, you can take out the garbage.
Negative
To form the negative we add "not" after can to form one word: cannot.
We can also contract the negative to form can't. (can't = cannot)
- I cannot play the piano. We can't go to the cinema tonight.
- She cannot speak French very well. He can't drive a car.
Questions
To from the question we change the position of the subject and the auxiliary verb.
The main verb is still in the infinitive without to.
- Where can I buy an ice-cream?
- Can I go to the party, please?
- Can you speak Japanese?
- What can we do on Saturday?
Remember that you can use short answers:
- Can I sit here please? Yes, you can.
- Can you speak Chinese? No, I can't.
EXTRA PRACTICE
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