Can and Can’t: Possibility, Ability, Permission
Updated on November 18, 2025
Learn how to use “can” and “can’t” to talk about ability, permission, and possibility. For A1 English learners, there are explanations, examples, and exercises.
Exercises & Summary
Can and Can’t: Learn Possibility, Ability, Permission
Ability
Can shows what someone can do.
Structure:
- Affirmative: subject + can + base verb
- Negative: subject + can’t + base verb
- Question: Can + subject + base verb?
Examples:
- I can swim very well.
- She can’t drive a car.
- Can you play the guitar?
- Yes, I can. / No, I can’t.
Possibility
Can is also used to talk about things that are possible.
Examples:
- It can get very cold in winter.
- You can’t see the stars during the day.
- Can this problem be solved quickly?
Permission
Can is used to ask for or give permission.
Examples:
- Can I open the window? (asking for permission)
- Yes, you can. / No, you can’t. (giving or refusing permission)
- Students can use the library after school.
Quick Tips for A1 Learners
- The base form of the verb always comes after “can”
- Correct: She can speak English.
- Incorrect: She can speaks English.
- Can’t is the negative form of can.
- For questions, invert can + subject + base verb.
- Use can for:
- Ability → I can run fast.
- Possibility → It can rain tomorrow.
- Permission → Can I leave early?
Examples with Time Expressions:
- I can meet you tomorrow.
- She can’t attend the class today.
- Can we go to the park this afternoon?