Simple explanation
What is can in English? Can is a modal verb used to talk about ability, possibility, and simple permission. After can, we always use the base form of the verb. The verb does not change. Can for ability We use can when we want to say that someone has the ability to do something. It can describe skills such as speaking languages, playing sports, cooking, or using technology. Can for permission In everyday English, can is also used to ask for or give permission. It is common in simple and friendly situations. What does can’t mean? Can’t is the short form of cannot. It means that someone is unable to do something, something is impossible, or something is not allowed, depending on the situation.
Grammar formula
Positive sentence
Subject + can + base verbShe can dance.
Negative sentence
Subject + can’t + base verbHe can’t drive.
Question form
Can + subject + base verb?Can you help me?
Core rules
- 1
Use the base verb after can
After can, use the verb in its simple form. Do not add -s, -ing, -ed, or to.
- 2
Can does not change with the subject
Can is the same with I, you, he, she, it, we, and they. We never say cans.
- 3
Make negatives with can’t
Use subject + can’t + base verb to say that something is not possible or not allowed.
- 4
Make questions with can
Put can at the beginning of the sentence: Can + subject + base verb?
Useful examples
I can speak English.
I have the ability to speak English.
Can shows an ability.
She can play the piano very well.
She has the skill to play the piano very well.
The verb play stays in the base form after can.
My brother can cook dinner.
My brother knows how to prepare dinner.
Can describes an everyday skill.
He can’t swim.
He is not able to swim.
Can’t shows a lack of ability.
Can you open the window?
Is it possible for you to open the window?
Can is used for a simple request.
You can use my laptop.
You have permission to use my laptop.
Can can give permission.
We can meet after work.
It is possible for us to meet after work.
Can can describe possibility.
I can’t come to the party tonight.
I am not able to come to the party tonight.
Can’t can show that something is not possible.
Can your sister drive?
Does your sister have the ability to drive?
Questions about abilities start with can.
You can’t park here.
You are not allowed to park here.
Can’t can mean no permission.
Common mistakes
- ❌ She can sings. ✅ She can sing. A verb after can must be in the base form without -s.
- ❌ I can to swim. ✅ I can swim. We do not use to after can.
- ❌ He cans play football. ✅ He can play football. Can never changes with he, she, or it.
- ❌ Do you can speak English? ✅ Can you speak English? We make questions with can directly, without do.
- ❌ I don’t can drive. ✅ I can’t drive. The negative form of can is can’t, not don’t can.
Learning tips
- Remember: can + base verb is always the correct structure.
- Can has only one form for all subjects.
- Can’t can mean cannot do something or not allowed to do something.
- Listen carefully to the difference between can and can’t when speaking.
Practise this topic
Interactive exercises for this topic are coming soon.
PlannedRelated grammar
Related dictionary words
Frequently asked questions
When do we use can in English?
We use can for abilities, possibilities, and simple permission.
What is the difference between can and can’t?
Can means something is possible or someone has an ability. Can’t means something is impossible or not allowed.
Why don’t we say he cans?
Can is a modal verb, so it does not take -s with he, she, or it.
Can we use to after can?
No. After can, we use the base form of the verb without to.