Can / Can't (A1 Grammar)

Use can for ability and permission. It never changes.

Quick tip: can + base verb (no -s, no to, no -ing)

CAN + base verb

Use can + base verb for all subjects. No -s, no to.

• I can swim.
• She can drive.
• They can help you.

CAN'T + base verb

Use can't (cannot) for negatives.

• I can't swim.
• He can't speak French.
• We can't come today.

Questions with CAN

Put Can before the subject for questions.

• Can you swim?
• Can she drive?
• What can I do?

Common mistakes

• Not "He cans swim." — say "He can swim.". Never add -s to can.
• Not "I can to speak English." — say "I can speak English.". No 'to' after can.
• Not "She can swimming." — say "She can swim.". Use base verb, not -ing.

Practise it

List things you can and can't do: I can..., I can't...