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Grammar Elementary Topic 9

Can / Can’t for Ability

Introduction:

We use can to talk about abilities — things someone is able to do.
Can’t (cannot) is used to express inability — things someone is not able to do.

Examples:
– I can swim.
– She can’t drive a car.
– They can speak three languages.

In questions and negatives:
– Can you play the guitar?
– No, I can’t.

Choose the correct answer to complete each sentence.
Use the Check Answers button after finishing each page.
Click Show Explanation to see detailed answers.

Please answer all questions on the page before checking.

Good luck!

Click on the page numbers below to start the quiz when you’re ready.

I ___ swim very well.
We use “can” to express ability.
She ___ drive a car.
“Can’t” shows she does not have the ability.
They ___ three languages.
“Can” indicates ability.
He ___ very fast.
“Can’t” means inability.
We ___ dance salsa.
“Can” expresses ability.
I ___ sing very well.
“Can’t” means no ability.
She ___ the piano.
“Can” means ability.
They ___ delicious meals.
“Can” expresses ability.
He ___ a truck.
“Can’t” means no ability.
We ___ books in English.
“Can” expresses ability.
They ___ swim.
“Can’t” means no ability.
He ___ three languages.
“Can” expresses ability.
I ___ a car.
“Can” means ability.
Birds ___ fly.
Birds can fly, so correct answer is “can fly”. (This question has a tricky option)
Dogs ___ very fast.
Dogs can run fast, so “can run” is correct.
He ___ books yet.
“Can’t” means he doesn’t have the ability yet.
My mother ___ very well.
“Can” shows ability.
They ___ salsa.
“Can” means ability.
I ___ very well.
“Can’t” means inability.
She ___ poems.
“Can” expresses ability.
He ___ trees.
“Can’t” means no ability.
She ___ very fast.
“Can” expresses ability.
Penguins ___ fly.
Penguins cannot fly, so “can’t fly” is correct.
My little brother ___ books.
“Can” means ability.
They ___ cars yet.
“Can’t” means they don’t have ability yet.