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A1 · grammar

Can and Can't Exercises (A1) — Free

Can and can't: ability, permission and requests

Use 'can' + the base verb to talk about ability (I can swim) and to ask for or give permission (Can I open the window? Yes, you can). 'Can' is the same for every subject: I can, she can, they can. It never takes -s, and the verb after it never takes 'to' or -s: She can speak three languages. The negative is 'cannot', usually contracted to 'can't' (Penguins can't fly). To make a question, put 'can' before the subject: Can you play the guitar? Short answers are Yes, I can / No, I can't. A common mistake is to use 'do' with can: 'Do you can swim?' is wrong; say 'Can you swim?'. Another one is adding 'to': 'I can to swim' is wrong.

  1. I swim, but I can't dive. (can/can't)

  2. Fish breathe underwater. (can/can't)

  3. She (can/speak) three languages: English, French and Italian.

  4. My brother is two years old. He read yet. (can/can't)

  5. Penguins are birds, but they fly. (can/can't)

  6. We (can/not/hear) you. Please speak louder.

  7. Sorry, I (can/not/come) to your party on Saturday. I have to work.

  8. you play the guitar? — Yes, I can.

  9. Can your sister drive? — No, she .

  10. Can they cook? — Yes, they .

  11. Mum, can I go out with my friends? — Yes, you , but come home by eight. (can/can't)

  12. What you see from your window? — I can see the sea. (can/can't)

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