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Can and the base verb
After can, use the base form of the verb: can jump, can draw, can swim. Do not add to, s, or ing. She can draw. is correct; She can draws. is not.
The negative form
Cannot is one word. Its short form is can’t. In I can’t juggle yet., yet means the skill may develop with practice.
Can comes before the subject
You can skate. becomes Can you skate? Short replies are Yes, I can. and No, I can’t. This question does not need do.
Worked examples
A robot can carry a box, but it can’t taste soup.
Can and can’t stay the same with it.
Can Lina draw a fox? Yes, she can.
The answer need not repeat the whole phrase draw a fox.
Try it yourself
Your turn
Type the missing word, number, or sign. Spaces in large numbers are allowed. Try first, then open the explanation.
Invent a robot and write two things it can do and one thing it cannot do.
See an example answer
My robot can count stars. It can carry books. It can’t smell flowers.
Check your knowledge
Choose one answer for each question. You can revise your answers and check again.
Answer key
- He can swim.. Can takes the base verb swim.
- Can she paint?. Move can before she.
- can’t. No requires the negative reply in this example.
- can run. Do not add to or s after can.
- Yes, they can.. Keep can when answering a can question.