I can speak English.
- Language
- English
- Level
- A2
- Unit
- Modal verbs and imperatives
- Practice types
- 0
What this grammar point covers
‘Can’ and ‘can’t’ are modal verbs in English. They are used to talk about ability (what you are able to do) and permission (what you are allowed to do).
When to use it
Use ‘can’ to say someone is able to do something, or to give or ask for permission. Use ‘can’t’ to say someone is not able to do something, or not allowed to do something.
Key forms
- I can swim.
- She can’t drive.
- Can you help me?
Examples
He can’t play the guitar.
Can you come to the party?
We can go now.
Tips
- ‘Can’ is always followed by the base form of the verb (no ‘to’).
- Don’t add ‘-s’ to ‘can’ for he/she/it.
- In questions, put ‘can’ at the beginning: ‘Can you...?’
Word of the Day
Today's hand-picked vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation page for English. Bookmark this section — it refreshes every day.
Get one new word every morning
Subscribe to SmartWords daily picks. Choose the topics you want — we send one short email per day.
Keep exploring
Play SmartWords games
Six word games built around our real vocabulary — free in the browser, no install.
Open the game hub →-
Word Sling
Match the center word under time pressure and keep the combo alive.
Play now → -
Word Gate
Fly through the correct gate before the speed ramps up.
Play now → -
Word Ninja
Slice the goal-language words, avoid the main-language decoy, and chase the announced bonus target.
Play now → -
Word Zip
Trace a single path across the board, hit each letter anchor in order, and fill every open cell.
Play now → -
Word Oddity
Pick the word that doesn't belong from a topic-driven set — every tap reveals all four meanings and images so the round becomes a flash-card too.
Play now → -
Word Memory
Flip and match goal-language words to their main-language meaning before your lives run out.
Play now →