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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
43
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.

Multiple Choice

Choose can, can't, or cannot to complete each sentence

Multiple Choice15 questions
1She play the piano very well — she has studied for years.
2I swim. I never learned as a child.
3 you speak any foreign languages?
4We see the mountains from here on a clear day.
5Sorry, I come to the party — I have to work.
6 he drive? He looks very young.
7Cats climb trees easily.
8I hear you — it's too noisy in here.
9Babies walk when they are born.
10She cook now — she took lessons last year.
11 we park here? I see a no-parking sign.
12He speak three languages fluently.
13You use your phone during the exam.
14Birds fly, but penguins are an exception.
15 I borrow your dictionary for a moment?

Fill in the Blanks

Complete with can or can't / cannot

Fill in the Blanks10 questions
1She(can/can't)play the violin beautifully.
2I(can/can't)find my keys anywhere.
3(Can/Can't)you help me with this problem?
4He(can/can't)come tonight — he has other plans.
5Dolphins(can/can't)communicate using sounds.
6You(can/can't)smoke inside the building.
7(Can/Can't)I use your laptop for a minute?
8They(can/can't)finish the project on time.
9I(can/can't)understand why she is upset.
10She(can/can't)speak French and German.

Transform the Sentences

Change to negative or question form as instructed

Transform8 questions

1She can swim. → → Make negative

2He can drive. → → Make a question

3I can't come tonight. → → Make positive

4They can speak Spanish. → → Make a question

5You can park here. → → Make negative

6She cannot come tomorrow. → → Make positive

7I can help you. → → Make a question

8We can see the sea from here. → → Make negative

Fix the Errors

Correct the mistake in each sentence

Error Fix10 questions

1She cans play the piano.

2Can she swims?

3He can to drive very well.

4I can't to come tonight.

5Cannot you help me?

6They can speaks three languages.

7She can't to use a computer.

8Can he drives a car?

9I not can sleep.

10We can't to stay any longer.

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 Can and Cannot section on Grammartier.

What is the best approach for studying this grammar topic?

Start with the definition, then study the examples carefully to understand how the pattern works in context. Practise identifying the structure in authentic sentences before producing your own — this recognition-first approach builds a strong foundation for accurate, confident use.

Your Grammar Learning Path

Follow the CEFR progression for this topic cluster.

  1. A1
    Interactive Grammar: Can and Cannot quizYou are here
  2. A2
    Interactive Grammar: Can and Be Able To quiz
  3. A2
    Interactive Grammar: Have to / Has to quiz
  4. A2
    Interactive Grammar: Making Suggestions quiz
  5. A2
    Interactive Grammar: Modal Verbs quiz

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