Learn

can
cannot / can't
Photo by elsie Photo by Mike Warren
Birds can fly.
Horses can't fly, but they can run very fast.

 

The modal verb can for ability

Tense

Positive Form + (can)

Negative Form - (cannot or can't)

Question Form ? (can / can't)

Present

I can speak German quite well.
I can't speak Chinese.

Can you speak English?

Can't you find the practice forum?

Past

Can becomes could.

I could only speak English when I was a child.

Cannot or can't become could not or couldn't.

I couldn't speak any German when I came here.

Can or can't become could or couldn't.

Could you have taken German lessons before you came here?

Couldn't you get any help with your German when you arrived?

Future

Can becomes to "be able to "

I will be able to speak German fluently by the time I leave Germany.

Cannot or can't become will not be able to or won't be able to.

I won't be able to go on holiday next year.

Can or can't become will be able to or won't be able to.

Will you be able to go on holiday this year?

Why won't you be able to go on holiday next year?

 

English pronunciation

Can / Could

English pronunciation

Full form
(Formal writing)
Written English

Short form
(informal writing and spoken English)
Mouth

Cannot

>

Can't

Could not

>

Couldn't

>

Your Challenge: Tell us something you can do, and something you can't do.

!Note - All posts are moderated and then corrected. One correction per person per lesson.

Wouldn't it be cool if there were a teacher available here 24/7? Well, you could help us achieve our dream, and support us in updating and improving these resources by making a donation:-




Created

Week 47