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Interactive Grammar: Can and Cannot quiz

Use 'can' and 'cannot' to express ability, possibility, and permission in present and future contexts.

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Grammar Explanation · Authentic Examples · Practice Questions

Lesson progressNot started

Duration

~64 min

Questions

Level

Beginner

Overview

'Can' is used to express ability (I can swim), possibility (It can be dangerous), and permission (You can leave now). 'Cannot' (can't) is its negative form. 'Can' does not change for person — it is the same for all subjects and has no infinitive or past form of its own.

Can / Can't

abilityShe can speak three languages.
permissionCan I use your phone? / You can't park here.
possibilityIt can get very cold in January.
requestCan you help me with this?

Cannot / Can't

Cannot (formal) = can't (informal)
Inability: I can't swim. / She cannot drive.
Prohibition: You can't smoke here.
'Can' has the SAME form for all persons — no 's' in third person.

Common Mistakes

❌ She cans play the piano. → ✅ She can play the piano.
❌ He can to drive. → ✅ He can drive. (no 'to')
❌ Can she swims? → ✅ Can she swim?

When to use

Talking about ability

I can speak French and Spanish.

Rules & prohibition

You can't use phones in the exam.

Requests & offers

Can I help you?

Possibility

The weather can change very quickly here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this lesson on can and Cannot cover?

Use 'can' and 'cannot' to express ability, possibility, and permission in present and future contexts.

Which CEFR level is this lesson designed for?

This lesson is designed for Beginner (A1) learners and forms part of the Modals section on Grammartier.

What is the best approach for studying can and Cannot?

Start with the definition above, then work through the examples to see how can and Cannot behaves in context. Since this is a Beginner (A1) topic within modals, focus on recognising the pattern in the examples first, then practise forming it correctly yourself — accuracy with the basic structure matters more than variety at this stage. Finish with the quiz below to check what's actually sticking.

How does can and Cannot relate to the rest of modals?

Can and Cannot is one of the Beginner–level topics grouped under Modals on Grammartier. Understanding it well makes the related lessons in the same category easier to follow — use the related-lessons links on this page to keep building on it once you've completed this quiz.