Ability

Beginner (A1)en

Ability – can / can’t

Ability (Can / Cannot)

1. What Is Ability?
Ability is about what someone can or cannot do.

We use the modal verb can to talk about:

Skills or abilities
Possibilities
Asking for something

Examples:

I can swim. (I have the ability to swim.)
She can play the piano.
We can speak English.
You can ask questions in class.

2. Using “Can” for Ability
2.1 Structure (Positive):
Subject + can + base verb + rest of the sentence

Examples:

I can ride a bike.
He can read a book.
She can run fast.
We can play football.
You can call me.
They can help us.

Key Point: After can, we always use the base form of the verb (no -s, -ing, or to).

2.2. Structure (Negative):
Subject + cannot / can’t + base verb

Examples:

I cannot (can’t) drive a car.
She cannot (can’t) speak French.
We can’t go to the park today.

Tip: “Can’t” is the short form of “cannot” and is used very often in speaking.

3. Questions with Can
Structure:
Can + subject + base verb?

Examples:

Can you swim? → Yes, I can. / No, I can’t.
Can he play football? → Yes, he can. / No, he can’t.
Can they come to the party? → Yes, they can. / No, they can’t.

Tip: Short answers are common and correct. Always match can / can’t.

4. Expressing General Ability

Use can for abilities now or generally.
Use cannot for things you cannot do now.

Examples:

I can speak English. (general ability)
I can’t drive. (I don’t have the skill)

5. Talking About Others’ Ability
Positive Examples:

He can cook very well.
She can dance.
My friends can play the guitar.

Negative Examples:

He can’t sing.
She can’t swim.
My friends can’t drive.

6. Quick Memory Tips

Can = able to do something
Can’t = not able to do something
Always use the base verb after can/can’t
For questions: Can + subject + verb?
Do not use do and does with can.

Related Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with words related to this grammar topic