• We use can to say that something is possible.
• We use can’t to say that something isn’t possible.
• For positive sentences, we use: subject + can + infinitive.
• For negative sentences, we use: subject + can’t + infinitive.
• can and can’t are the same for all subjects (I, you, he, they, etc.).
POSITIVE
subject + can + infinitive:
I/You/He/She/It/We/They can go for long walks.
NEGATIVE
subject + can’t + infinitive:
I/You/He/She/It/We/They can’t stay there.
WH- QUESTIONS
question word + can + subject + infinitive:
What can I/you/he/she/it/we/they do there?
YES/NO QUESTIONS
can + subject + infinitive:
Can I/you/he/she/it/we/they stay on the island?
SHORT ANSWERS
Yes, I/you/he/she/it/we/they can.
No, I/you/he/she/it/we/they can’t.
TIPS!
• We also use can for ability, making requests and offers.
ability: She can speak French. I can’t decide where to go.
requests: Can you help me? Can I borrow it?
offers: Can I help you?
• can’t = cannot NOT can not.
