can / can't the usage | Page 2 of 13 | Mejores Cursos de Inglés en Línea para Call Centers en Guatemala

Talk the Talk: (Conversational) Mastering Conversational English A1 Beginners Can / Can’t

Welcome to “Can” and “Can’t”!

Today, we learn about “can” and “can’t.” These words help us say what we know how to do, what might happen, and what we’re allowed to do. You’ll learn to use them in many ways. Let’s start and make talking in English easier!

PS, read the objective for this lesson below and notice the formula on each table!

can / can’t the usage

OBJECTIVE FOR THIS LESSON

Welcome to our Talent Show unit! In this unit, you will learn how to talk about things you can do using “can” and “can’t.” You’ll tell us about your talents, like singing, dancing, or painting. We’ll practice speaking, writing, listening, and reading about talent shows. You’ll also learn about talent shows in the U.S. Our goal is to use English to share what we can do and understand talent shows better. Let’s have fun and learn together!

Click here for ACTION VERBS

Functions

1. Ability:

Can / Can’t

“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)

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.

Can / Can’t

Examples:

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

Possibility

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 / Can’t

“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)

Permission

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.