Can and Can’t: Possibility, Ability, Permission — Explanation

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.

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

1. The base form of the verb always comes after "can"
   • Correct: She can speak English.
   • Incorrect: She can speaks English.
2. Can’t is the negative form of can.
3. For questions, invert can + subject + base verb.
4. 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?