Can / Can't: sentences, exercises, tests and examples

Can / Can't use

Can / can’t is used to talk about ability, possibility, and also to make a request or ask for permission in a simple and polite way.

She can speak Spanish very well.
We can meet after work.
Can I open the window?

Can / Can't Form

The structure is formed with can or can’t + the base form of the verb (V1). The form can stays the same for all subjects.

Subject + can + V1
Subject + can’t + V1

I can drive.
He can play the guitar.
They can’t come today.

Can / Can't Rule

  • Can is used to talk about ability or skill.
    My brother can swim very fast.
    I can’t draw well.
  • Can is also used to talk about possibility: something is possible, realistic, or allowed in a situation.
    We can go by bus.
    You can park here after 6 p.m.
  • In questions, can is often used for requests and simple questions about permission.
    Can you help me with this box?
    Can I use your phone for a minute?
  • After can, we use only the base verb form without to.
    ❌ She can to dance.
    ✅ She can dance.
  • The form can is the same with all subjects: I can, he can, they can. We do not add -s.
    ✅ He can drive.
    ❌ He cans drive.
  • The full negative form is cannot, and the more common short form is can’t.
    ✅ I cannot stay long.
    ✅ I can’t stay long.

Can / Can't Negation

Negation is formed with cannot or can’t. After them, we still use V1.

Subject + cannot / can’t + V1

I can’t find my keys.
She cannot come to the meeting.
My phone can’t connect to Wi‑Fi.

Can / Can't Questions

In questions, can comes before the subject. In short answers, we usually use Yes, ... can / No, ... can’t.

Can + subject + V1?
Wh-word + can + subject + V1?

Can you speak more slowly?
Can she join us later?
What can we do now?
Can you drive?
— Yes, I can. / No, I can’t.

Can / Can't Common mistakes

❌ She cans swim.
✅ She can swim.
❌ He can to drive.
✅ He can drive.
Do you can help me?
Can you help me?
❌ I don’t can come tomorrow.
✅ I can’t come tomorrow.
❌ She can plays tennis.
✅ She can play tennis.

Can / Can't Sentences

I can cook Italian food.
He can’t answer the phone right now.
We can finish this task today.
My sister can speak three languages.
You can sit here if you want.
The baby can’t sleep because of the noise.
Can I ask you a question?
Can they come with us?
What can she do with this program?
We can’t leave the car here.

Can / Can't Examples

I can read English, but I can’t speak it well yet.
She can help you after lunch.
Can you open the door, please?
Can I take this chair?
We can see the sea from our window.
My grandfather can’t hear very well.
Why can’t you stay a little longer?
Can your brother play chess?
You can use my laptop for a few minutes.
We can’t start the lesson without the teacher.

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