Can expresses ability, things you know how to do or are able to do. It never changes with the subject: I can swim, she can ride a bike, and they can speak English all use the same form, can plus the base verb.
Grammar Rule
We use can to talk about abilities, things we know how to do or are able to do. It never changes with the subject.
Can for Ability: Structure
| Subject | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| I | can + base verb | I can swim. |
| She | can + base verb | She can ride a bike. |
| They | can + base verb | They can speak English. |
| Negative | can’t + base verb | I can’t dance. |
Remember: can always has the same form, no matter the subject.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below using can or can’t to talk about ability. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
Modal Verb «Can» – Ability (I can swim)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does can express in English?
Can expresses ability, something a person knows how to do or is able to do, as in I can swim.
Does can change form depending on the subject?
No. Can always keeps the same form, no matter the subject, as in she can ride a bike or they can speak English.
How do you make can negative?
Add not after can to form can’t, as in I can’t dance.
Do you use to after can?
No. Can is always followed directly by the base verb, without to, as in can swim, not can to swim.