Can - Abilities

Learn how to use the modal can to talk about abilities.

Special Lesson Activities for This Grammar Point

Talking about Abilities

Point 1: We use can to show abilities.
  1. I can play tennis.
  2. She can speak Italian.
  3. They can build a computer.
  4. This dictionary can hold one million words.
Point 2: The negative form of can has three spellings: cannot, can not, and can't.
  1. I can't go tonight.
  2. She cannot speak German.
  3. I can not get an internet connection.
  4. My car cannot go very fast.
Point 3: The adverb "well" is used to show a high ability at doing something. The adverbs "not ... all" shows low ability.
  1. Can you speak Japanese well?
  2. I cannot speak it very well. I can speak it just a little.
  3. Can you cook?
  4. No, I cannot cook at all.
Point 4: A person can be good at something, or bad at something or even terrible at something.
  1. Are you good at sports?
  2. Yes, I am pretty good at sports.
  3. Are you a good dancer?
  4. No, I am not good at all. I am terrible at dancing.
Point 5: The adjectives "good" and "great" can express someone has high ability. The adjective "poor" shows low ability.
  1. She is a good singer.
  2. He is a great dancer.
  3. I am not a good student.
  4. I am a poor cook. (not good at cooking)
Answer the following questions about the interview.

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