What you'll learn
By the end of this lesson, you'll be able to talk about what you are able to do, ask for permission, and say what is possible, using can and can't.
When do I use it?
Use can for three jobs: ability ("I can swim"), permission ("Can I use your phone?"), and possibility ("You can see the sea from here"). The negative is can't, and it works for all three too: "I can't swim," "You can't smoke here," "It can't be true."
How do I form it?
Subject + can/can't + base verb
- I can swim. (ability)
- Can you help me? (permission / request)
- She can't drive. (no ability)
- We can meet at six. (possibility)
Can never changes form, and the verb after it never changes. There is no "cans", no "to can", and no "can to go".
Common mistakes for Spanish speakers
Spanish says "no puedo", then swaps in the verb after it: "no puedo nadar". English keeps "can't" before the verb with no change: "I can't swim", never "I no can swim" or "I don't can swim". And after can/can't, use the base verb: "can go", not "can to go". Do not fall back on estar + -ando to give permission — "can" carries the whole meaning by itself.
Put "can't" or "cannot" right before the base verb. There is no "no can" in English.
Practice
Multiple Choice
A1Which sentence asks for permission?
Fill in the Blank
A1I can run fast, but I swim.
Hint: The negative of 'can' is 'can't', never 'no can'.
Find the Error
A1Sentence Transformation
A1Task: Rewrite using can
Hint: Express ability with 'can' + base verb.
Practice Speaking
Apply what you've learned in a real conversation with AI feedback.
Level: A1