Lesson 13 – I Can Swin

2

Welcome to “Can” and “Can’t”!

Today:

CAN / CAN’T

Use can = ability

Use can’t = no ability

Formula:

Subject + can + verb
Subject + can’t + verb

Examples:
I can swim.
I can speak English.
I can’t drive.
I can’t cook.

Click here for ACTION VERBS

can / can’t the usage

Functions

1. Ability:

• “Can” is used to talk about someone’s skill or general abilities.
• “Can’t” expresses lack of ability.

Examples:

• “I can speak three languages.” (Ability)
• “She can’t drive a car.” (Lack of ability)

Formula	Subject	Ability Lack of Ability	Verb	Complement
1.	I	can	swim	very fast.
2.	She	can	play	the guitar beautifully.
3.	He	can’t	cook	at all.
4.	We	can	speak	Spanish and English.
5.	They	can’t	solve	the math problem.
6.	You	can	ride	a bicycle, right?
7.	My brother	can’t	remember	people’s names easily.
8.	She	can	dance	for hours without getting tired.
9.	They	can’t	lift	that heavy box by themselves.
10	I	can	draw	portraits and landscapes.

can / can’t the usage

2. Possibility:

• “Can” indicates that something is possible or could happen.
• “Can’t” suggests that something is impossible or very unlikely.

Examples:

• “We can see the stars tonight.” (Possibility)
• “You can’t be serious!” (Impossibility)

Formula	Subject	Possibility Impossibility	Verb	Complement
1.	It	can	rain	in the afternoon, so take an umbrella.
2.	You	can	find	some great deals if you shop online.
3.	He	can’t	come	to the party tonight; he’s out of town
4.	We	can	see	the northern lights if we go to Iceland.
5.	She	can’t	be	at the office today; her car broke down.
6.	You	can	catch	the next train if you hurry.
7.	They	can’t	finish	the project by tomorrow; it’s too much work.
8.	I	can	meet	you for coffee next week.
9.	We	can’t	see	the stars tonight; it’s too cloudy.
10.	You	can	learn	a new language if you practice every day.

3. Permission:

• “Can” indicates that something is possible or could happen.
• “Can’t” suggests that something is impossible or very unlikely.

Examples:

• “Can I leave early today?” (Asking for permission)
• “You can’t park here.” (Prohibition)

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Order	Subject	Permission Prohibition	Verb	Complement
1.	You	can	take	a break whenever you need one.
2.	Visitors	can’t	touch	the artwork in the museum.
3.	You	can	access	the library during opening hours.
4.	Children	can’t	play	in the kitchen for safety reasons.
5.	Employees	can	use	the gym after work hours.
6.	You	can’t	park	your car in the reserved spots.
7.	Guests	can	stay	until 10 PM.
8.	You	can’t	download	files from unknown websites on company computers.
9.	Members	can	use	the club facilities at their convenience.
10.	You	can’t	bring	outside food into the cafeteria.