Beginner 📐 Grammar · #23 of 305

Can and Can't (Ability)

can + base verb shows ability or permission.

Examples

  • I can swim.
  • She can't drive.

Key rules

  • can + base verb shows ability, permission or possibility
  • The form is the same for all subjects: she can
  • Negative: cannot or can't
  • Question: Can you swim? Never add to or -s after can

Common mistakes

  • She can swims → She can swim
  • Can you to help? → Can you help?
💡 Tip: After can, use the plain verb with no change.
Practise this topic in the appPractise Beginner quiz
← ImperativesPresent Continuous →

Related Beginner topics

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Nouns: Naming Words

A noun names a person, place, thing or idea.

Singular and Plural Nouns

Add -s to most nouns; add -es after s, x, ch, sh.

Irregular Plurals

Some nouns change form instead of adding -s.

Countable and Uncountable Nouns

Countable nouns can be counted; uncountable ones cannot take a/an or plural.

Proper and Common Nouns

Proper nouns name specific things and start with a capital letter.

Subject Pronouns

I, you, he, she, it, we, they replace the subject.