Basic English Lessons: Can - Can´t
We use 'can' to talk about 'possibility' or 'ability'. Can you do that? I can't manage to do that. You can leave your car in that parking space. You cannot smoke in here. I can ski. Notice that there are two negative forms: 'can't' and 'cannot'. These mean exactly the same thing. When we are speaking, we usually say 'can't'. We use 'can' to talk about 'ability'. I can speak French. I can't drive. We use 'can' to ask for and give permission. Can I speak to you or are you too busy? You can use my phone. You can't come in. We use 'can' in offers, requests and instructions. Can I help? Can you give me a hand? When you finish that, you can take out the garbage. We use 'can' with 'see' 'hear' 'feel' 'smell' 'taste' to talk about something which is happening now . (Where you would use the presen...