📘 Part of the Complete English Course · Beginner (A1), week 4
We use 'can' for ability (things you're able to do), permission (things you're allowed to do) and requests. 'Can' is the same for every person.
The rules
Form
| Positive | Negative | Question |
|---|---|---|
| I can swim. | I can't swim. | Can you swim? |
| She can drive. | She can't drive. | Can she drive? |
Polite requests
| Request | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can you help me, please? | Sure! / Of course. |
| Can I pay by card? | Yes, you can. |
| Could you say that again, please? | No problem. |
Remember
- Can + base verb: She can speak French. (not 'can speaks' or 'can to speak')
- can't = cannot.
- 'Could you…?' is a little more polite than 'Can you…?'.
- Listen carefully: 'can' is usually short and weak (/kən/); 'can't' is long and strong (/kɑːnt/).
Listen and repeat
- I can speak three languages.
- Sorry, I can't come on Saturday.
- Can you help me with this form?
- Can I sit here?
Common mistakes
| Not this | Say this | Why |
|---|---|---|
| He can drive. | No -s after can. | |
| I can swim. | No 'to' after can. | |
| Can you help me? | Don't use 'do' with can. |
Check yourself
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Frequently asked questions
When do we use can / can't in English?
We use 'can' for ability (things you're able to do), permission (things you're allowed to do) and requests. 'Can' is the same for every person. Can + base verb: She can speak French. (not 'can speaks' or 'can to speak')
What are common mistakes with can / can't?
Say 'He can drive.', not 'He can drives.' (No -s after can). Say 'I can swim.', not 'I can to swim.' (No 'to' after can). Say 'Can you help me?', not 'Do you can help me?' (Don't use 'do' with can).
What level is this can / can't lesson?
It's a Beginner (A1) lesson, week 4 of the free Complete English Course. It takes about 10 minutes and ends with a quiz.