Can/ can't

Yenibeth Altamar

can/ can't

1. presentation of the topic2. structures3. examples

Content

Can is used to express ability or to say that something is possible and also is used for permissions. Can is the same for all subjects. We don't add an 'S' in the third person (like other verbs)

When do we use can?

The verb that comes after Can is in the infinitive without to: I can speak Spanish. (= it is possible for me to speak Spanish = I have the ability to speak Spanish)

He can swim well.

She can play the violin.

He can play the guitar

She can paint really well

Negative To form the negative we add "not" after can to form one word: cannot. We can also contract the negative to form can't. (can't = cann

she can't speak french very well

He can't play the piano

He can't go to the cinema. he is sick

To form the question we change the position of the subject and the auxiliary verb. The main verb is still in the infinitive without to. Can is also used to ask for permission.

interrogative sentences

Can he buy an icecream?

yes, they canno, they can't

can they speak japanese?

yes, you canno, you can't

Can i sit here?

Could

to express possibility or past ability to make suggestions and requests.

when do we use it?

Nancy could ski like a pro by the age of 11

past ability

suggestion

You could watch a movie or go out to dinner.

Could I use your computer to email my boss?

request

the rain could cause several damages

possibility

questions?

Thank u!