English Grammar

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Grammar Focus

Can / Can’t for Ability and Permission

We use can to talk about what someone is able to do or allowed to do.
We use can’t to show that someone does not have the ability or permission.

Key points:

• Use can + base verb to say what someone can do:
  I can swim.
  She can play the piano.
• Use can’t + base verb to say what someone cannot do or is not allowed to do:
  He can’t come to the party.
  You can’t use your phone in class.
• Use can for permission:
  Can I leave early?
  Use can for ability:
  She can run fast.

🎧 Why This Grammar Matters for Listening and Speaking

Understanding and using can / can’t helps you express what people can do, what they’re allowed to do, and what rules they must follow in daily life.

Here are common ways you’ll hear or use can / can’t:

• Talking about abilities:
  “Can you help me with this?”
  “I can speak English.”
• Asking for or giving permission:
  “Can I open the window?”
  “You can leave now.”
• Understanding rules and limits:
  “You can’t park here.”
  “Students can’t use phones in class.”

These phrases are especially useful when talking about rules, abilities, or what people are allowed to do in places like school, work, or public spaces.

Now, let’s practice your grammar skills with a game.

Let’s practice using can and can’t to talk about what people can do or are allowed to do.

Talk About Yourself:
What is something you can do well? What is something you can’t do yet but want to learn?
➤ For example: “I can cook rice. I can’t ride a bike.”

Ask About Others’ Abilities:
Think of a friend or family member. What can they do? What can’t they do?
➤ For example: “My brother can play soccer. He can’t swim.”

Discuss Permission in Different Places:
Where can you do certain activities? Where can’t you do them?
➤ For example: “I can eat in the kitchen. I can’t eat in the classroom.”

Describe Group Abilities or Rules:
Can you talk about what your group (class, family, team) can do together or can’t do?
➤ For example: “We can study English. We can’t use phones during class.”

Imagine a Day Without Limits:
If you could do anything today, what can you do? What would you like to do but can’t?
➤ For example: “I can play all day. I can’t go to the park because it’s closed.”