Can and can't

What you'll learn

Use can and can't to talk about ability.

• I can swim.
• She can't drive.
• Can you help me?

The form is the same for every subject.

Start with these examples

• I can speak Spanish.
• He can cook.
• We can't stay late.
• Can they play tennis?

The pattern

Affirmative

subject + can + base verb

• She can sing.
• They can come today.

Negative

subject + can't/cannot + base verb

• I can't swim.
• He cannot drive.

Can't is common in speaking and informal writing.

Questions

can + subject + base verb?

• Can you dance?
• Can your sister drive?

Use the base verb

Do not add -s, -ing or to after can.

• She can swim. ✓
• Can he help? ✓

Can for permission

You can also use can for simple permission.

• Can I use your phone?
• You can sit here.

Common mistakes

• She cans swim. → She can swim.
• Can he swims? → Can he swim?
• I can to drive. → I can drive.
• They can't playing. → They can't play.

Quick check

• He ___ cook. → can
• ___ you help me? → Can
• She can't ___ today. → come

Next step

Use object pronouns such as me, him and them after verbs.