A1 · Grammar
Can and Can’t
Lesson Handout
What does 'can' mean?
Ability — She can swim very fast.
Inability — I can’t play the piano.
Permission — Can I use your phone?
Form
Rule — can + base verb (same for all subjects)
Positive — I / She / They can swim.
Negative — I / She / They can’t swim.
Question — Can you / she / they swim?
Warning — Never: ‘can to swim’ or ‘cans’
Short answers
Yes — Yes, I can.
No — No, I can’t.
Example — Can you cook? — Yes, I can.
Recap
Positive — can + base verb
Negative — can’t / cannot + base verb
Question — Can + subject + base verb?
Rule — No -s ever — She can (NOT cans)
A1 · Grammar
Can and Can’t
Worksheet
Name: ___________________________ Date: _______________
1. Fish ___________ breathe underwater.
☐ can't ☐ can ☐ cans
2. I ___________ fly without a plane.
☐ can ☐ cans ☐ can't
3. She ___________ speak three languages.
☐ can't ☐ cans ☐ can
4. Babies ___________ walk when they are born.
☐ can ☐ cans ☐ can't
5. ___________ you help me?
☐ Cans ☐ Is ☐ Can
6. My sister ___________ read — she’s only two.
7. He ___________ play the guitar very well.
8. ___________ I open the window?
9. Cats ___________ see in the dark.
10. They ___________ come — they’re busy.
A1 · Grammar
Can and Can’t
Answer Key
1. can
2. can't
3. can
4. can't
5. Can
6. can't
7. can
8. Can
9. can
10. can't