Can and can't differences English lesson with examples
Learn how to use the words can and can't
During this lesson you will start learning how to use the words can and can't and how you can use it in sentences.
You can use the word can for physical ability or skill
Below is a list of ways of using the word 'can' in a positive and negative way.
| Affirmative | Negative |
| I can swim. | I can't swim |
| You can swim. | You can't swim. |
| He can swim. | He can't swim. |
| She can swim. | She can't swim. |
| It can swim. | It can't swim. |
| We can swim. | We can't swim. |
| They can swim. | They can't swim. |
** Hint learn **
Cannot = can't
Could not = couldn't
will not = won't
Using 'can' as a question word
Below gives examples of how to use the word 'can' to form a question. The table also shows an example if how to answer the question in a short positive way and negative.
| Question | short answer | short answer |
| Can I swim. | Yes, you can. | No, you can't. |
| Can you swim. | Yes, I can. | No, I can't. |
| Can he swim. | Yes, he can. | No, he can't. |
| Can she swim. | Yes, she can. | No, she can't. |
| Can it swim. | Yes, it can. | No, it can't. |
| Can we swim. | Yes, we can. | No, we can't. |
| Can they swim. | Yes, they can. | No, they can't. |
Examples of useing the verb can
Fish can swim.
Fish can't fly.
Can you ride a bike?
No, I can't. Can you?
Yes, I can.
Can you speak English?
Yes I can I learn't with Easy Pace Learning. How about you?
I can' speak it very well I'm still learning I will Google Easy pace Learning.
Examples of using can't in a sentence with meaning
Practise write down on some paper what you can or can't do using the list below
| Activity | Yes | No |
| Eat outdoors | you can eat outdoors | You can't eat outdoors |
| Go swimming | ||
| Go dancing | ||
| Buy a DVD / video | ||
| Play video games | ||
| Exercise indoors | ||
| Go to an amusement park | ||
| Go fishing | ||
| Others: |
Easy pace Learning online dictionary and how to use dictionaries
Click on the following link for the Online English dictionary - English lesson
