Can and Can´t

Abilities in the present

When you want to express your abilities you need to use “can /can’t + a verb”. Check the next information:

AFFIRMATIVE

We use can to say we have the ability to do an activity, check the next examples:

I can swim.

James can play bowling.

Daniel can speak five languages.

Hellen can dance all kind of music.

Peter and Patrick can play a musical instrument.

NEGATIVE

We use can't (or cannot) to express the lack of ability. Check the examples:

I can't swim.

Peter can't play bowling.

Sara can't speak English.

Nills can't dance.

Jack can't play the guitar.

INTERROGATIVE

We use can beginning of the questions to ask about the ability of someone or something. Check the next examples:

Can you swim?

Can you play bowling?

Can you speak Spanish?

Can Nills dance?

Can you play the guitar?

Writing exercise

Complete the conversations. Use the correct form of the verb CAN ( affirmative, negative, or interrogative).

A: Hi, Danny! How are you doing?

B: I’m great! I’m going to my swimming lessons?

A: Really? you swim?

B: Not yet! you swim?

A: Yes, I . I’m very good at swimming.

A: Hi Angie!

B: Hello Mario! How’s everything going?

A: Everything’s good. Look, I’m planning a party in my house next Saturday. you invite some friends?

B: Sure! I tell Gris and Lety to come.

A: Awesome. they dance Salsa music?

B: I think Lety but Gris . Sorry.

A: Never mind. We’ll have a lot of fun.

A: Hello Laura!

B: Hi Angie!

A: we talk? I need to tell you something.

B: Yes, we .

Writing exercise

Use the words given to form sentences.

1. you / climb a mountain / can / ?

2. Mathematics/ Peter and Rose / understand / can’t

3. I / write a poem / but / want to / I can’t / to my mom

4. in the sea/ ? / Can / dive / Robert

5. can / Fabs / pass / easily / exams

6. skate / can / My daughter / on ice

7. can’t / do / This magician / magic tricks

8. very well / Hugo / can / draw

Listening practice Check false exercise

Listen to the conversations. Decide if the sentences are affirmative or negative. Choose the correct option.

  CAN CAN´T