Ability

1. What is ability?

Ability is about what someone can or cannot do.

We use the modal verb can to talk about ability (what someone is able to do).

2. Using “can” for ability

2.1 Positive form

Subject + can + base verb + rest of the sentence

Examples:

• I can ride a bike.
• He can read a book.
• She can run fast.

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

2.2 Negative form

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. In ability statements, we usually write cannot as one word (not can not).

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. General ability

• Use can for ability (in general or at the moment).
• Use can’t / cannot for no ability (in general or at the moment).

Examples:

• I can speak English. (general ability)
• I can’t drive. (no ability)
• I can’t talk now. (no ability at the moment)

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.