Permission: 'can/can't'
A2 ElementaryUse 'can' to say that something is allowed and 'can't' to say that something is forbidden or not allowed.
Giving and Refusing Permission
In English, we use can to give permission or to state what is permitted by rules. We use can't (cannot) to refuse permission or to talk about things that are against the rules.
- Use can for things that are okay to do.
- Use can't for things that are prohibited or not allowed.
- Use Can I...? to ask for permission in an informal or neutral way.
Form
Subject + can/can't + base verb
The form of 'can' does not change based on the subject. It is always followed by the base form of the verb without 'to'.
Examples
Common mistakes
She can to go now.
She can go now.
Do not use 'to' after modal verbs like can.
He cans stay here.
He can stay here.
Modal verbs do not take an -s in the third person singular.
Practice
Complete the sentence: You ___ (not / smoke) inside the hospital.
Show answer
can't
Answer:can't
Why:We use 'can't' to show that an action is forbidden or against the rules.
Make a question: ___ (I / borrow) your pen for a second?
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Can I borrow
Answer:Can I borrow
Why:To ask for permission, we put 'Can' before the subject and use the base verb.
Correct the error: They can't to enter the private room.
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They can't enter the private room.
Answer:They can't enter the private room.
Why:The verb 'can' is followed by the bare infinitive, so we must remove 'to'.