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
- 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?
