TALK ABOUT THINGS YOU CAN AND CAN'T DO

 Being able to talk about what you can and can’t do is a fundamental skill in English. It allows you to express your abilities, limitations, and possibilities in different situations. Using the modal verb "can" is the easiest way to do this. For example, you might talk about skills you have (e.g., "I can swim") or activities you’re unable to do (e.g., "I can’t play the guitar"). This lesson will cover how to use "can" and "can’t," introduce related vocabulary, and help you construct positive and negative sentences, questions, and answers to communicate effectively about abilities and restrictions.

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GRAMMAR

1. Using "Can" and "Can't" to Talk About Abilities

• "Can" is used to express what you are able to do.
  Examples:

  • "I can cook."
  • "She can ride a bike."

• "Can’t" (cannot) is used to express what you are not able to do.
  Examples:

  • "I can’t dance."
  • "He can’t drive a car."

2. Sentence Structure

• Positive Sentences:
  Subject + can + base verb.

  • "I can sing."
  • "We can play football."

• Negative Sentences:
  Subject + can’t + base verb.

  • "I can’t swim."
  • "She can’t speak Spanish."

• Questions:
  Can + subject + base verb?

  • "Can you cook?"
  • "Can they play basketball?"

• Short Answers:

  • "Yes, I can."
  • "No, I can’t."

3. Other Uses of "Can"

• To ask for permission:
  • "Can I borrow your pen?"
• To offer help:
  • "Can I help you with that?"

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VOCABULARY

1. Ability: The power to do something.
   Example: "She has the ability to speak three languages."

2. Skill: A learned ability to do something.
   Example: "Playing the piano is a skill."

3. Hobby: An activity done for fun.
   Example: "Reading is my favorite hobby."

4. Talent: A natural ability to do something well.
   Example: "He has a talent for drawing."

5. Learn: To gain knowledge or skill.
   Example: "I want to learn how to cook."

6. Teach: To show someone how to do something.
   Example: "Can you teach me how to dance?"

7. Practice: To do something repeatedly to improve.
   Example: "I practice the guitar every day."

8. Ride: To sit and control a bike, horse, or vehicle.
   Example: "Can you ride a bike?"

9. Swim: To move through water.
   Example: "He can swim very fast."

10. Draw: To make pictures with a pencil or pen.
    Example: "She can draw amazing portraits."

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USEFUL EXPRESSIONS

• "I can [activity/skill]."
• "I can’t [activity/skill]."
• "Can you [activity/skill]?"
• "Yes, I can." / "No, I can’t."
• "I am learning how to..."
• "I want to improve my ability to..."
• "It’s easy for me to..."
• "It’s difficult for me to..."
• "I’m good at..."
• "I need to practice..."

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SENTENCES

Positive Sentences

• "I can cook delicious meals."
• "She can sing beautifully."
• "We can play chess together."

Negative Sentences

• "I can’t play the piano."
• "He can’t drive a motorcycle."
• "They can’t swim in deep water."

Questions

• "Can you play any musical instruments?"
• "Can he run fast?"
• "Can they speak French?"

Answers

• "Yes, I can play the guitar."
• "No, I can’t dance."
• "Yes, she can swim very well."

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CONVERSATION

Scene: Two friends talking about their abilities.

Anna: Hey, Mike. Can you play the guitar?
Mike: Yes, I can. I’ve been playing for three years. Can you play any instruments?
Anna: No, I can’t. But I can sing!
Mike: That’s great! We should play and sing together sometime.
Anna: Sure! By the way, can you cook?
Mike: No, I can’t. I’m terrible at cooking. How about you?
Anna: I can cook a little. Maybe I can teach you.
Mike: That would be awesome. Thanks, Anna!

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READING

"What Can You Do?"

Everyone has things they can and can’t do. For example, Emma can paint beautiful pictures, but she can’t swim. She is afraid of water. Her brother, Jack, is very different. He can swim like a fish, but he can’t paint at all.

Emma and Jack also have hobbies. Emma loves to play the piano. She practices every day. Jack enjoys playing football with his friends. He is very good at it and hopes to join a local team soon.

Sometimes, they teach each other new skills. Jack is teaching Emma how to swim, and Emma is helping Jack learn to draw. They both agree that trying new things is fun and important.

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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

1. Q: What can Emma do?
   A: Emma can paint beautiful pictures and play the piano.

2. Q: What can’t Emma do?
   A: Emma can’t swim.

3. Q: What is Jack good at?
   A: Jack is good at swimming and playing football.

4. Q: What are Emma and Jack teaching each other?
   A: Jack is teaching Emma how to swim, and Emma is teaching Jack how to draw.

5. Q: Why do Emma and Jack enjoy trying new things?
   A: They think it’s fun and important.