Pre-A1 Starter can, imperatives and the present simple
can for ability
Lesson goal. After this lesson you can say what you can and cannot do, and ask other people.
When to use it
- Talking about ability: I can swim.
- Saying you cannot: I can't drive.
- Making a polite request: Can you help me, please?
Form
| Type | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Affirmative | S + can + base verb | She can sing. |
| Negative | S + can't + verb | He can't swim. |
| Question | Can + S + verb…? | Can you cook? |
| Short answer | Yes, S can. / No, S can't. | Yes, I can. / No, I can't. |
Step by step
- Write the subject.
- Write can — it never changes and never takes -s.
- Write the base verb: no to, no -s, no -ing.
- To ask, move Can to the front.
can never changes
| Subject | Correct | Wrong |
|---|---|---|
| I | I can swim. | I can to swim. |
| He / She | She can sing. | She cans sing. |
| He / She | He can play. | He can plays. |
Examples
I can speak a little English.
My sister can play the piano.
We can't go out today.
Can you swim? — Yes, I can.
He can't ride a motorbike.
Can you open the window, please?
Common mistakes
I can to swim. → I can swim.
Never put to after can. Learners add it by analogy with want to, like to.
He cans play football. → He can play football.
can never takes -s, not even with he, she or it.
She can sings very well. → She can sing very well.
After can, the verb stays in its base form with no -s.
Memory tip
Remember one line: after can the verb is bare — no to, no -s, no -ing. Anything extra is a mistake.
Summary
- can + base verb, the same for every subject.
- Negative: can't. Question: Can at the front.
- No to, and no -s on can or on the verb.
Practise this lesson
Do exercises with an explanation for every question, take mini tests and track your progress on GrammUp.