A1 · Grammar
Can and can't
After this page you can say what you can and can't do and what is possible, ask for permission or help with Can I …? / Can you …? and give short answers like Yes, I can. / No, I can't.
Rules
1.
can + verb
- I can swim.
- Marek can cook really well.
- Our son can read a little.
- We can walk to the station from here.
can has one form for all persons: no -s with he, she and it. After can, use the basic form of the verb, with no to.
can
- I, you, we, they can play
- he, she, it can play (not: cans, not: can plays)
- can + verb (not: can to play)
In a normal sentence, can is short and weak: I c'n swim. The main verb gets the stress.
she can swim (not: cans, not: can swims)
can + verb, no to: I can help.
2.
can't and cannot
- Tom can't drive. He takes the bus.
- I can't find my keys!
- You can't smoke in the restaurant.
- Visitors cannot park here.
The negative is can't. The long form is cannot: one word. You do not need don't or doesn't.
Negative
- short form: can't · long form: cannot
- She can't come. (not: She doesn't can come.)
can't = cannot: one word.
No don't with can: I can't swim.
3.
Can you …? Short answers
- Can you speak Italian? – Yes, I can.
- Can Anna come to the party? – No, she can't.
- Can we pay by card? – Yes, you can.
For a question, put can before the subject: Can + subject + verb? In the short answer, use only can or can't, with no main verb.
Question · short answer
- You can swim. → Can you swim?
- Yes, I can. · No, I can't.
- Yes, she can. · No, they can't.
No do or does in the question: Can you swim? (not: Do you can swim?)
Can + subject + verb?
Yes, I can. · No, I can't.
4.
Three uses: ability, possibility, asking
- Sofia can play the piano.
- You can buy tickets online.
- Can I open the window?
- Can you help me with this bag?
Use can for things you are able to do. Use it for things that are possible. Use Can I …? to ask for permission and Can you …? to ask somebody for help.
Uses
- ability: Ben can ski.
- possibility: You can park behind the hotel.
- permission: Can I use your phone? – Yes, of course.
- asking for help: Can you call me later? – Sure.
Can I …? → I ask for permission.
Can you …? → I ask you to do something.
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