"Can" and "Can't" Exercises for Ability and Possibility
This page has a clear explanation of when we use “can” and “can’t”, and then you can then practice the exercises to become more confident.
A free printable pdf is available to download.
- Explanation: Understand this modal verb.
- Exercises: Practice what you have learnt.
- PDF Download
When do we use "can" and "can't"?
We use can to show ability and possibility.
- I can ride a motorbike.
- She can play the piano.
- I can help you later today.
Notice that the bare infinitive verb is always used after “can”.
Forming negatives
In academic writing we use ‘cannot’, but for spoken English we use the short for “can’t”.
- I can’t understand German.
- She can’t stop eating fast food.
- We can’t go to Disneyland this year.
Questions
When we want to form questions, “can” goes before the subject:
- Can we go to the cinema tonight?
- Where can I find a good Italian restaurant?
- Can you tell me your name?
Practice the exercises below to become more familiar.
Exercises
25 questions and answers with explanations.
1 . My mum ______ make amazing cakes. One day she will cook for you!
can / can’t
2. He ______ ride a bike, but he really wants to learn.
✅ can’t
3. My brother ______ speak English and Italian. It’s amazing.
✅ can
4. They _____ take you to the train station. Don’t worry!
✅ can
5. We ______ find our dog. Have you seen him?
✅ can’t
6. Dave _____ play chess very well. Where did he learn to play so well?
✅ can
7. I ______ find my smartphone. I am so annoyed!
✅ can’t
8. Where _____ I find a good restaurant in this town?
✅ can
9. I’m sorry, but I ______ speak to you now. I am too busy…
✅ can’t
10. I promise I _____ meet you at the library at 5pm.
✅ can
11. I don’t understand. You have lived in London for 10 years, and you still _____ speak English?
✅ can’t
12. We _____ visit lots of interesting places when we go to New York.
✅ can
13. My friend _____ speak English very well, so speak slowly!
✅ can’t
14. I ______ buy you that dress. I’m very sorry…
✅ can’t
15. You _____ eat as much as you like. It’s a buffet restaurant.
✅ can
16. She ______ help you clean the windows. She’s very afraid of heights.
✅ can’t
17. They ______ come with us. I feel very sad.
✅ can’t
18. Sophie _____ draw and paint anything. She’s an amazing artist.
✅ can
19. You ______ watch that movie tonight because you have so much homework to do…
✅ can’t
20. Paul ______ play the drums like a professional. I love his playing.
✅ can
21. I ______ meet you at the airport because my car isn’t working.
✅ can’t
22. Joe ______help you. He has lots of free time.
✅ can
23. He ______ help you. He has lots of experience.
✅ can
24. I ______ understand your attitude… Why are you so annoying today?
✅ can’t
25. We ______ visit your parents this weekend. I would like that very much.
✅ can
