Can is a modal verb.

Can is used to express ability or to say that something is possible.

Can is the same for all subjects. We don't add an 'S' in the third person (like other verbs)
The verb that comes after Can is in the infinitive without to:

I can speak Spanish. (= it is possible for me to speak Spanish = I have the ability to
speak Spanish)

He can swim well.

We can see our neighbour in the garden.

They can play the guitar.

For more uses of Can see: Modal Verbs: Can - Could

Negative
To form the negative we add "not" after can to form one word: cannot.
We can also contract the negative to form can't. (can't = cannot)

I cannot play the piano. We can't go to the cinema tonight.

She cannot speak French very well. He can't drive a car.

Questions
To from the question we change the position of the subject and the auxiliary verb.
The main verb is still in the infinitive without to.

Where can I buy an ice-cream?

Can I go to the party, please?

Can you speak Japanese?

What can we do on Saturday?

Remember that you can use short answers:

Can I sit here please? Yes, you can.

Can you speak Chinese? No, I can't.

Impersonal Can
Sometimes You can and Can you? are impersonal and refer to people in general.

You can see many stars at night from here. (= people in general can see many
stars)

It doesn't necessarily refer to you but people in general.

You can't run naked in the middle of the street.

Not necessarily saying YOU can't run naked in the middle of the street but in general it is
not possible for anyone.

Task
Fill in can or can't (cannot) into the gaps.
+ indicates an affirmative sentence, - indicates a negative sentence.
Show example

Do you need help?

can, cannot, can't
1.
I
swim. (+/can)
2.

You

draw. (-/can)

3.

He

cook. (+/can)

4.

She

5.

It

6.

We

ski. (-/can)

7.

You

read. (+/can)

8.

They

count. (-/can)

9.

Doris

sail. (+/can)

10.

Walter and Laura

walk. (-/can)
jump. (+/can)

sing. (-/can)

Choose the correct combination in the following sentences:

1. '___ you swim'? 'Yes, I ___'

Can/can't

Can/can

2. I'm sorry I ___ help you today, I'm really busy.

Can

Can't

3. Please ___ you buy some milk on your way home? I ___ leave the house
because I'm looking after the baby.

Can/can't

Can't/can't

4. I ___ ride a bike but I ___ drive a car.

Can/can

Can/can't

5. I just ___ manage to wake up on time, I'm always late.

can't

can

6. 'Hello, ___ I help you'? 'Actually, no you ___ this restaurant is awful and
we've been waiting here for half an hour. We're leaving'.

Can't/can

Can/can't

7. I have a special talent, I ___ touch my nose with my tongue ___ you?

Can't/can

Can/can

8. '___ I go to the bathroom please'? 'Yes, of course you ___.'

Can/can

Can/can't

9. Look! It's right there!___ you see it? It's so obvious!

Can

Can't

10. I've never been able to eat breakfast in the mornings. I ___ talk to
anyone either!

Can't
Can

Grammar Exercises 2
Unscramble the following sentences.
Example: speak can you English. - You can speak English.
1. you can play the violin?

2. draw they can't well.

3. play I basketball can.

4. we can come house to your?

5. she sleep can't

6. you cook can?

7. watch can television I?