Using Can, Cannot, & Can't

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

• I can run fast.
  
• You can push the door open.
• He can lift the boxes.
  

Can is the same for all subjects. We don't add an 'S' to the infinitive verb in the third person. It remains in its present tense.

• He can cook very well.
• She can plant flowers. 

The verb that comes after Can is in the infinitive without to:

• They can speak very well. 
• We can play football today.

The infinitive verbs are "to speak" and "to play". Also, the infinitive verb always comes after the verb can, cannot, or can't.

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 )

• We cannot go to the movies today.
  We can't go to the movies today.
• She cannot push the car. She can't push the car.
• They cannot sit together. They can't sit together.

* Always remember that both forms can't and cannot are correct to use. 

 

Questions

To form a question use this form: Question word + Can or Can + Noun

• Where can I find the school?
• Can I play the video game? 
• Can you speak English?
• Can they come with us to the park? 
• When can we go to the party?

* Also remember that you can use short answers.

• Can you move the chair please? Yes, I can.
• Can they drink your water please? Yes, they can. 
• Can she stay at home and not go to school today? No, she can't.